Pyriproxyfen
Type: Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
Mode of Action: Mimicking a natural hormone in insects known as juvenile hormone
Common Product Names: Pivot, Distance, Nylar
What is it?
Pyriproxyfen is an insect growth regulator widely used in agriculture and urban pest management. It is particularly effective against pests such as fleas, mosquitoes, whiteflies, and certain types of beetles. Pyriproxyfen is known for its low toxicity to humans and non-target organisms, making it a preferred choice in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. While pyriproxyfen starts affecting insects almost immediately by disrupting their development, visible results in terms of population decline can take several days to weeks, depending on the lifecycle of the targeted insect.
How does it work?
Pyriproxyfen affects the insect's endocrine system by imitating juvenile hormone, which is essential for insect development. By disrupting the balance of this hormone, pyriproxyfen prevents larvae from developing into mature adults. This interruption in development means that affected insects cannot reproduce, thus reducing the population over time.