Vector Control-Development and Improvement of the Modern Chemical Insecticides

The transition from empirical and applied approach toward a scientific approach in modern medical disinsection is a result of the discoveries of the organic chemistry. The most intensive used substance in this field—DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is introduced during World War II and contributes to world practical epidemiology just as antibiotics in clinical medicine. However, after the 70s, this substance was placed under a ban, because of the accumulated evidence of many adverse health and environmental impacts globally. Improvement of the insecticides after “DDT-era” is represented by the introduction of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in the 1960s. Their broad application is determined by better ecotoxicological characteristics. The advance in biotechnology after the 1980s establishes the new class of insecticides—synthetic pyrethroids. Nowadays they are basic for the insect control. Pyrethroids are characterized by selective impact on insects with much less impact on warm-blooded animals and the environment. Insecticides from the newest class insect growth regulators realize their mode of activity by interfering with chitin metabolism and thus prevent an insect from reaching maturity. These substances have extremely low toxicity, which makes them very promising for the treatment of civilian and military facilities.