The future of insect growth regulators in vector control.

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are diverse groups of chemical compounds that are highly active against larvae of mosquitoes and other insects. The IGRs in general have a good margin of safety to most nontarget biota including invertebrates, fish, birds, and other wildlife. They are also relatively safe to man and domestic animals. The IGR compounds do not induce quick mortality in the preimaginal stages treated. Mortality occurs many days later after treatment. This is indeed a desirable feature of a control agent because larvae of mosquitoes and other vectors are an important source of food for fish and wildlife. On account of these advantages of IGRs and the high level of activity against target species, it is likely that IGRs will play an important role in vector control programs in the future.