The prefix semio comes from a Greek word meaning signal.
Semiochemicals are naturally produced substances which convey information between living organisms. The main types that can be used for pest management include pheromones, kairomones and allomones. Pheromones, including sex attractants and aggregation pheromones, convey information to members of the same species. Kairomones and allomones convey information between different species, such as plants and insects.
Semiochemicals can be used to aid monitoring and decision making for timing pesticide applications to achieve the best results and avoid unnecessary spraying. They can also be used in mass trapping, attract-and-kill and mating disruption. Their low application rates, target specificity, minimal toxicity and powerful behavioural impacts can make them key tools for integrated pest management, especially for insects.