<p>Insect growth regulators are used as targeted pest control agents due to their ability to disrupt specific physiological processes in insects. While these compounds effectively suppress populations of crop pests as generalists, their impact on non-target beneficial insects, including pollinators, predators, parasitoids, and silkworms is a growing concern. This review analyses existing literature on the impacts of various classes of IGRs such as juvenile hormone analogs, chitin synthesis inhibitors, and ecdysone agonists on beneficial insect species. On critically reviewing the available literature, it becomes evident that insect growth regulators can interfere with biological functions such as development, reproduction, and behaviour in non-target insect species, leading to reduced fecundity, survival, and ecological services. Sublethal effects such as precocious foraging in honey bees, impaired predator / parasitoid-prey dynamics and reduced silk production in silkworms are also reported. However, studies at molecular level are scarce. Studies on non-<i>mellifera</i> and non-<i>Apis</i> bees are also limited. Future formulations of insect growth regulators could be tailored to target vulnerable stages unique to specific insect species. This speciality approach would minimize non-target effects and better protect beneficial insects. Thus, research to identify these species-specific sensitivities needs to be strengthened that can help to develop highly selective formulations.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>