Improved methods and compounds to control insects, involving a biological control method to induce toxicity in targeted insects using iridoptin. The present invention induces high levels of apoptosis and inhibition of host protein synthesis in insect cells. It is the first viral toxin against non-lepidopteran insects and is distinct from existing bacterial toxins, such as Bacillus thuringiensis toxins, which are not effective against most beetles, including the boll weevil, and the Baculoviridae, which is the main group of viruses currently used as biological control agents. Iridoptin will have use in the control of agricultural pests. It will increase productivity and reduce disease transfer by vectors and household pests. By extension it has application in cancer therapy and other medical treatments where apoptosis is critical to removal of certain cells.