Which is a reason pheromones can be beneficial in pest management?

Pheromones play a significant role in integrated pest management strategies, primarily because they can reduce the need for chemical controls in various ways. By utilizing pheromones, pest management practices can exploit natural behaviors of insects. For instance, pheromones can be used to disrupt mating patterns among pests, thus reducing population growth without the use of toxic chemicals. This not only minimizes chemical exposure to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and humans but also lowers environmental impacts associated with chemical pest control methods.

Furthermore, pheromones can be employed in monitoring pest populations, making it easier to implement control measures effectively while minimizing unnecessary pesticide applications. This approach aligns with sustainable pest management practices, advocating for ecological balance and reducing the reliance on traditional chemical inputs.

The other options, while related to pest behavior, do not accurately capture the core practical benefits of using pheromones in pest management. For example, while pheromones can signal others to remain in an area or gather pests for easier management, these functions are less about direct management benefits and do not emphasize the overarching goal of reducing chemical controls, which is crucial in modern pest management approaches.