What role do traps play in pest management?

Traps play a crucial role in pest management primarily by monitoring pest populations. By using traps, pest management professionals can gather important data about the presence, abundance, and behavior of various pest species. This information helps in assessing the level of infestation and determining the appropriate control measures to implement. Monitoring through traps can also indicate the effectiveness of a treatment over time and signal when re-treatment may be necessary.

While traps may inadvertently catch some pests, their primary function in a pest management program is to provide insights into pest activity rather than to repel, prevent entry, or destroy pests instantly. Understanding pest populations allows for targeted and environmentally sound pest management strategies, leading to more effective and sustainable control methods.