The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environment friendly method of pest control that integrates well into area wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programmes. A first of its kind, this book takes a generic, comprehensive and global approach in describing the principles and practice of SIT. The strengths and weaknesses, and successes and failures, of SIT are evaluated openly and fairly from a scientific perspective. The SIT is applicable to some major pests of economic importance, and criteria are provided to guide in the selection of pests appropriate for SIT. A great variety of subjects are covered in a balanced way, from the history of SIT to the prospects for its future application. The major sections discuss the principles, technical components and application. The four main strategic options in using SIT - suppression, containment, prevention and eradication - with examples of each option, are described in detail. Other sections deal with supportive technologies, economic, environmental and management considerations, and the impact of AW-IPM programmes that integrate SIT. This book provides a wealth of information and reference material never before available in one volume. It will be a standard reference on the subject for many years. The authors, from 19 countries, are highly experienced in the subject, and reflect the international character of SIT activities. Since no university offers courses on SIT, the book’s audience will be mainly students in general animal and plant health courses, but the in-depth reviews of all aspects of SIT and its integration into AW-IPM programmes will greatly assist researchers, teachers, and animal and plant health practitioners.