Advantages and disadvantages of chemosterilants

Advantage

• They are required in minute quantity to attract large masses of insect pests and therefore are economical.
• They are non-pollutant and ecologically acceptable
• They are specific to particular species only and non-targets are spared
• They can be used to monitor the population build-up
• They are used to misguide the insect to the wrong host plants, wrong mating partner, or wrong laying sites
• They best fit with integrated pest management practices
• Since they are long-lasting, they do not leave any residual problems.

Disadvantage

• Attractants of many pests are not yet known
• This requires knowledge and skill to use such compounds
• The quick result is not obtained. Therefore, it can be used in short-term control measures
• Sex pheromone attracts only one sex and therefore, the other sex continues to damaging
• Insects can always find untreated host, so their number may be affected
• This cannot be used as a sole control measure.