Mating disruption

Mating disruption is a way to stop bugs from having babies. When mommy bug and daddy bug want to have babies, they talk to each other by sending out a special smell. This smell is like a phone call for bugs. Other bugs can smell it and come over to make babies too.

Scientists have learned how to make a smell that is just like the smell mommy and daddy bug send out. But this smell is not for making babies. When they put this smell in the air, all the bugs start to get confused. They can't smell the real mommy and daddy bug smell anymore. It's like when someone calls your house and your parents put on loud music so you can't hear them.

When the bugs can't find each other, they can't make babies. So this stops them from having lots and lots of babies that could hurt plants or farms. It's like when mom and dad tell you and your siblings to stay in different rooms so you don't keep jumping on the bed and making a mess.

By using this smelly trick, scientists can help protect plants and crops from too many bugs. They don't have to use harmful chemicals to do the same thing, which is good for nature too.