What role do pheromones serve in pest management?

Pheromones play a significant role in pest management, primarily through their use in monitoring and trapping insect populations. Pheromones are chemical signals produced by organisms that influence the behavior of other individuals of the same species. In pest management, they can be employed to attract pests to traps, allowing for population monitoring and control strategies.

By using species-specific pheromones, pest managers can gather information about pest populations, such as their density and movement patterns. This information is crucial for determining the best timing and methods for interventions, thus enabling a more targeted and effective approach to pest control. The use of pheromones in traps not only helps in population assessment but also aids in reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides, aligning with integrated pest management strategies that prioritize environmentally sustainable practices.

The other options, while related to pest management, do not accurately represent the primary function of pheromones. For instance, they do not serve to repel all pests, nor do they stimulate reproduction or function as pesticides. Instead, their effectiveness lies in their ability to communicate with pests, making them valuable tools for tracking and controlling pest issues.