Attractants and pheromones are primarily used to?

Attractants and pheromones are primarily employed in pest management strategies to lure insects to their death. These substances exploit the natural behaviors of insects, using scents or chemical signals that can attract specific pests to traps or areas where they can be effectively controlled. By mimicking the natural pheromones that insects would use for communication, mating, or locating food sources, these attractants direct the target pests away from crops or other important areas, significantly increasing the efficiency of pest control methods.

This approach enables more environmentally friendly pest management by reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides, as the targeted attraction can lead to a more significant reduction in pest populations without negatively impacting beneficial organisms. By concentrating efforts on specific pest species, farmers and horticulturists can manage pest populations more sustainably and effectively.