Bedoukian Research, Inc., a leading producer of semiochemical and pheromone active ingredients, is proud to celebrate five decades of creating products that help manage insect pests.
Founded in 1972 by Dr. Paul Bedoukian as a supplier of innovative, high-quality flavor and aroma ingredients, the company expanded into pheromones just a few years later. In 1975, Dr. Paul Bedoukian’s son, Dr. Robert Bedoukian, joined the company. His doctoral thesis on the Boll Weevil pheromone showed that the chemistry of many insect pheromones aligned with Bedoukian Research’s expertise. Soon after, Robert directed the manufacture of the company’s first pheromone, Gossyplure, for the Pink Bollworm.
Over the following decades, Bedoukian steadily expanded its portfolio of technical-grade pheromones and semiochemicals. These active ingredients became central to insect monitoring, mass trapping, repellency, and mating disruption in agriculture, forestry, residential, and stored-product applications. Bedoukian’s semiochemical ingredients soon became essential additives in some of the most effective insect management tools worldwide.
Milestones along the way include:
- 1990: First EPA registration – Bedoukian OFM (Oriental Fruit Moth Pheromone).
- 1997: First PMRA registration – z-9-Tricosene (House Fly Pheromone).
- 2022: Five new active substance registrations through EU SCLP renewals.
Today, Bedoukian operates globally and, according to the U.S. EPA’s Pesticide Product and Label System (March 2025), holds more pheromone and semiochemical technical-grade active ingredient registrations than any other company in the United States.
Beyond product development, Dr. Robert Bedoukian founded the American Semiochemicals Association, which worked with the EPA and USDA to secure pheromone tolerance exemptions—standards still in effect today. Later, Bedoukian Research joined the Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA), continuing its leadership in advancing sustainable pest management.
Recognizing the unique role of pheromones, Bedoukian launched the BedoukianBio brand and dedicated website in 2015. BedoukianBio pheromones are designed to control pest populations with minimal environmental impact—featuring biodegradable, reduced-risk chemistry that mimics naturally occurring compounds. Because pheromones and semiochemicals are target-specific, they do not harm pollinators or other beneficial insects, making them an essential component of integrated pest management strategies.
Reflecting on this milestone, David Bedoukian, Vice President of Sales for the pheromone division, remarked:
“Fifty years is a huge milestone for any business, and we are proud of the success our pheromone division has achieved over the past five decades. We’re especially proud that BedoukianBio active ingredients are protecting crops effectively and sustainably.”
He added:
“The longevity of our pheromone and semiochemical products is due to continual innovation from our scientists and the support of our sales, marketing, logistics, procurement, financial, and customer service teams. Our success comes from the same objectives we set fifty years ago: developing the highest-quality products and providing the best service in insect pest management.”
