Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

Which of the following is a key feature of insect growth regulators?

1. They enhance growth in plants

2. They harm beneficial insects

3. They target growth processes in insects

4. They are effective against all pests

The correct answer is: They target growth processes in insects

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are specifically designed to target and disrupt the normal growth and development processes of insects. They work by interfering with the hormonal systems that control an insect’s growth stages, from larvae to adult, and can be used to prevent molting, maturation, or reproduction. This targeted action means that IGRs are effective in controlling pest populations by ensuring that insects do not reach maturity or produce offspring, ultimately reducing their numbers. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of IGRs. While plant growth can be influenced by various chemicals in pest management, IGRs do not enhance plant growth. Additionally, they are formulated to minimize harm to beneficial insects, allowing those species to thrive while suppressing the targeted pest populations. IGRs are not universally effective against all pests; they are particularly useful against certain insect types that have specific growth stages and hormonal dependencies, making their application more specialized rather than broad-spectrum.