What is the primary purpose of using insect traps in pest control?

Using insect traps in pest control primarily serves the function of monitoring and reducing pest populations. These traps are designed to catch insects for the purpose of identifying pest types and estimating population sizes, which is critical for making informed pest management decisions. By regularly checking these traps, a pest control professional can determine whether a pest problem exists, its severity, and the best course of action to take.

Traps can also help in assessing the effectiveness of pest control measures and can serve as a tool for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. For instance, by knowing the population dynamics of harmful insects, targeted treatments can be implemented, reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides and preserving beneficial organisms that might otherwise be affected.

Other options focus on unrelated functions, such as fertilization and soil quality, which are not the primary roles of insect traps in pest control. Additionally, while there can be situations where traps inadvertently affect beneficial insects, the intent behind using traps is not to deter them but to manage pests effectively.