What role do pheromone traps play in pest management?

Pheromone traps serve a vital function in integrated pest management by monitoring and controlling pest populations without the need for chemical pesticides. These traps utilize pheromones, which are chemical signals produced by insects, to attract specific pest species. By capturing these insects, they provide critical data on pest population levels and helps in determining if and when pest control measures need to be implemented.

Moreover, pheromone traps can disrupt mating patterns among pests, leading to reduced pest populations over time. This non-chemical approach reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, minimizing the risk of chemical resistance and the impact on beneficial insect populations. Therefore, their role is both proactive, in informing management decisions, and reactive, by directly affecting pest reproduction and survival.