What is the mode of action for Silica aero gel?

Silica aerogel functions primarily as a desiccant, which is a substance that promotes the removal of moisture. When insects come into contact with silica aerogel, its microscopic particles become abrasive and can pierce the protective outer layer of the insects' exoskeleton. This leads to the loss of moisture from their bodies, resulting in dehydration and ultimately death.

Desiccants like silica aerogel are effective because they target the moisture balance essential to insect survival. Unlike insect growth regulators, which disrupt the development and growth processes in insects, or repellents, which keep insects away without necessarily killing them, silica aerogel directly affects the insect's ability to retain moisture and survive in its environment. Similarly, it does not function as a fumigant, which typically involves the use of gas to eliminate pests throughout an entire area, rather than acting on contact.