What is an insect growth regulator?

An insect growth regulator is a type of pesticide specifically designed to interfere with the development and reproductive processes of insects. By mimicking or blocking hormones that control growth, these substances can disrupt the life cycle stages of insects, such as molting or maturation. This means that while they may not kill insects outright, they prevent them from reaching maturity or reproducing, effectively controlling pest populations over time.

This option is accurate as it highlights the unique mechanism and purpose of insect growth regulators compared to other pest control methods. Understanding this can help applicators select the right products for managing specific pest populations without necessarily resorting to broad-spectrum insecticides that may harm beneficial insects as well. Conversely, the other choices pertain to different functions, such as killing unwanted plants or enhancing plant growth, which do not align with the specific role of insect growth regulators in pest management.