What is the main purpose of larvicides?

The main purpose of larvicides is to target and manage insect larvae specifically. These substances are designed to disrupt the developmental stages of insects, effectively preventing them from maturing into adult forms that can reproduce and cause further infestations. By focusing on larvae, larvicides help in controlling the population of insects at a crucial point in their life cycle. This method of pest control is particularly effective in managing pests like mosquitoes, as it reduces the number of adult insects that can emerge from those larvae, thus contributing to overall pest management strategies. The distinctive action of larvicides highlights their importance in integrated pest management by specifically addressing a vulnerable stage in the insect life cycle.