In the past, the control of insect pests was carried out using chlorinated hydrocarbons such as DDT, hexachloran, etc. These are relatively non-toxic to warm-blooded animals. However, due to their chemical stability, they have accumulated in large quantities in soil and water, and thus are also found in animal-derived foods. This led to their worldwide ban in production and use. They were replaced by organophosphorus insecticides, which are less stable and degrade more rapidly in natural moisture. Compared to chlorinated hydrocarbons, they are significantly less toxic to warm-blooded animals and humans. Both groups of insecticides have a broad spectrum of activity and kill both beneficial and harmful insects. They often do more harm than good, especially when the ecological relationships between organisms are disregarded.