What is the primary use of pheromone traps in pest management?

Pheromone traps are primarily utilized in pest management to monitor and disrupt mating patterns of pests. These traps work by releasing synthetic or natural pheromones that attract specific pests, allowing for easy monitoring of their populations. By understanding pest activity levels and mating behaviors through these traps, pest management strategies can be more effectively developed.

This approach aids in realizing when pests are most active, thereby informing decisions about whether and when to apply other control measures, such as insecticides. Additionally, disrupting mating patterns can help reduce the population over time, contributing to a sustainable pest management plan without the need for heavy chemical applications.