What are pheromones primarily used for in pest management?

Pheromones are chemical signals that are naturally produced by insects to communicate with one another. In pest management, they are primarily utilized to attract insects for the purpose of monitoring or trapping. By harnessing these natural signals, pest management strategies can effectively disrupt the mating behaviors of target pest populations and reduce their numbers.

Attracting insects enables the use of traps that can capture pests without the need for toxic chemicals, making pheromones an eco-friendly option for managing pest populations. This method focuses on using the inherent instincts of insects against them, creating a targeted approach to pest control that can minimize harm to non-target organisms and the environment.

Other choices, while they pertain to pest management, do not accurately reflect the primary function of pheromones. For example, pheromones are not used to destroy eggs directly or to control rodents, as these require different management strategies. Additionally, while there are repellent substances in pest management, pheromones themselves are designed to attract rather than repel. Thus, the correct emphasis in pest management regarding pheromones is their role in attraction.