Which method can enhance the effectiveness of pheromone traps?

Focusing on attracting only a specific type of pest is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of pheromone traps. Pheromones are chemical signals used by insects to communicate, particularly for mating. By utilizing traps that emit pheromones targeting a specific pest species, you increase the likelihood of attracting that particular pest, leading to better trapping efficiency.

When traps are designed to attract specific pests, they ensure that the pheromones used are relevant to the behavior of those insects. This specificity allows for more effective monitoring and control of pest populations, as traps become highly attractive to the intended target while minimizing catches of non-target species.

In contrast, using traps for all types of pests dilutes the effectiveness because different pests may not respond to the same pheromones. Placing traps near water sources may offer other advantages, but it is not a primary factor in the effectiveness of pheromone-based attraction. Similarly, random scents could confuse or mislead insects, lowering the efficacy of the traps rather than enhancing it. Therefore, the approach of attracting only a specific pest aligns perfectly with the principles of pest management and species-targeted strategies.