An insect growth regulator is a chemical that inhibits the life cycle of certain insects. These chemicals are commonly used as insecticides and can help control populations of harmful pest insects. But, before you go out and start spraying your garden, you should know exactly what an insect growth regulator is and how it works.

Insect growth regulators work by disrupting the insects' reproduction cycle by mimicking their hormones. They can be used to kill a wide range of pest insects, and they are also relatively safe for humans to use. They can be mixed with other insecticides, and they have a low toxicity.

Insect growth regulators are an important component of an integrated pest management (IPM) program. They are useful for preventing and controlling pests that cause damage to buildings and cultural heritage. However, they do not replace good housekeeping. They should be part of a more comprehensive prevention plan, which should include structural and sanitation modifications, and reduction of the adult population through least-invasive means. In addition, IGRs can be incorporated into a cultural modification plan.

IGR also prevent insects from molting, which is one of their unique life processes. During this process, the insect will shed its old shell and produce a new, larger shell. However, IGRs can interfere with molting and shell formation, which result in death. This is a problem because many insects undergo dramatic metamorphosis stages, which include the spinning of a cocoon and changing into a pupa. This process is disrupted by IGRs, and it leads to a reduced population of insects.

IGR are also an excellent way to control infestations of roaches. They can be used with insecticide sprays or baits. These products are extremely effective for killing German roaches, but do not harm the roach's eggs. They are not social insects, and will not carry the bait back to feed their young.

Insect growth regulators mimic the juvenile growth hormone that an insect produces naturally. During normal development, the juvenile hormone gradually decreases, but in IGRs, the juvenile growth hormone is continuously present. This hormone helps the flea larva to molt into a pupa. The result is that affected fleas will never reach adulthood. In addition, their eggs and larvae will die off before reaching the reproductive stage.

Insect growth regulators are effective in controlling flea populations in many different applications. They act as an insecticidal synergist, which means that they increase the effectiveness of other insecticides. These products are safe to use in most environments. You should always read the label before applying them to your home.

Some insecticides contain neurotoxins. Axonic neurotoxins, for example, hold open sodium channels in neuronal membranes, which propagate an action potential. Insects paralyzed by these toxins cannot de-excite themselves. However, 96% of the ingredients in insecticide collars are inert and unidentified. It is difficult for veterinarians to determine whether or not they have any toxicological effects on humans.