What is the purpose of using repellents in pest control?

Using repellents in pest control serves the primary purpose of deterring pests from feeding or coming into close contact with the areas where they are applied. Repellents work by creating a barrier that makes the environment less attractive or accessible for pests, effectively reducing their activity and the likelihood of damage they can cause. This method is particularly useful in managing pests without necessarily killing them, which can be beneficial in maintaining an ecological balance.

Trapping pests focuses on capturing and removing them rather than preventing their approach from the outset. Attracting beneficial insects is generally aimed at promoting natural pest control and improving ecosystem health, which is a different strategy that does not align with the function of repellents. Lastly, increasing pest populations contradicts the objective of pest control; effective repellents aim to minimize pest presence rather than contribute to it. Therefore, the use of repellents as a means to deter pests from feeding is the correct understanding of their role in pest management.