What term describes a chemical that interferes with a pest's life cycle?

The term that describes a chemical that interferes with a pest's life cycle is growth regulator. These chemicals, also known as insect growth regulators (IGRs), work by disrupting the normal development and reproduction processes of insects. They may affect processes such as molting or metamorphosis, preventing the insect from reaching maturity, thus controlling its population.

Growth regulators are especially valuable in pest management because they can target specific developmental stages of pests without killing adult insects outright. This means they can reduce pest populations over time by preventing new generations from emerging. Their selective action allows them to be integrated into pest management strategies that minimize harm to beneficial insects and other non-target species, making them a more eco-friendly option compared to broad-spectrum insecticides.

In contrast, other options like biopesticides generally utilize natural substances to control pests, insecticides are chemicals that kill insects outright, and acaricides are specific to mites and ticks. While all these chemicals serve to manage pest populations, growth regulators specifically target the life cycle and developmental phases, making them distinct in their mode of action.