What role do bait traps serve in pest management?

Bait traps play a crucial role in integrated pest management by establishing a bait station that targets high-risk areas for specific pests. In this context, the bait station helps attract pests to a designated area where they can be effectively captured or controlled. This targeted approach allows for improved monitoring of pest populations and can help determine the most effective timing for interventions. This method is particularly valuable in managing pest problems before they escalate, enabling the use of more precise control measures.

While bait traps can indeed capture flying insects effectively, as mentioned in one of the other options, their primary function in pest management is to provide a way to monitor and manage pest populations strategically in areas where they pose the greatest risk to crops and other valuable resources. Monitoring soil nutrients is unrelated to the purpose of bait traps, nor do bait traps contribute to the reduction of crop yield directly; rather, they serve to protect crops from potential damage caused by pests.