In a breakthrough study, scientists have decoded the chemical language of locusts — revealing how a single molecule, 4-vinylanisole (4VA), transforms solitary insects into ravenous swarms. Triggered by phenylalanine in their diet, locusts release 4VA from their hind legs, summoning millions into coordinated chaos. Now, researchers have found a way to block this signal using 4-nitrophenol (4NP), offering a pollution-free alternative to pesticides.