Data indicate that these compounds do not present any known risks to humans or the environment. For example, various species use pheromones to attract a mate, to mark territory, or to warn others of danger.
Pheromones are usually effective in tiny amounts.
The lepidopteran group of insects includes butterflies and moths. All of the lepidopteran pheromones that EPA has approved for pesticide use are chemicals produced by female moths to attract a mate. The pesticide products contain synthetic versions of these naturally occurring compounds. Sometimes the relative amounts of several pheromone chemicals in a pesticide product determine which specific pests are controlled. When the pesticide product releases pheromone into the air where males are looking for females, the males become confused and cannot easily locate the females.