What type of inhibitor kills immature insects by interfering with their growth and molting?

Chitin synthesis inhibitors are effective against immature insects because they disrupt the production of chitin, a crucial component of an insect's exoskeleton. During the molting process, insects shed their old exoskeleton and grow a new one. If the synthesis of chitin is inhibited, the insects cannot properly form their new exoskeleton, leading to failure to molt. This results in their death or inability to develop into maturity, making chitin synthesis inhibitors particularly effective for managing pest populations at their juvenile stages.

In contrast, pheromones are used primarily for insect behavior modification, such as disrupting mating patterns, and do not directly kill insects. Neonicotinoids and carbamates are classes of insecticides that target the nervous system of insects rather than affecting their growth and development through molting processes. Understanding these different modes of action is crucial for effective pest management and integrated pest control strategies.