What are chemosterilants used for?

Chemosterilants are compounds that are specifically designed to sterilize insects or pest vertebrates, thus preventing them from reproducing. This method is often used as a part of integrated pest management strategies to control pest populations without directly killing them. By rendering pests sterile, chemosterilants help to disrupt their life cycle, gradually reducing their numbers over time.

The use of chemosterilants allows for targeted control of pests while minimizing harm to non-target species and the environment. This approach can be more sustainable compared to traditional pesticides that aim to kill pests outright. Overall, the primary function of chemosterilants is to control pest populations through reproductive interference, rather than through lethal means.