Which term describes chemicals that affect pests by changing their behavior?

Which term describes chemicals that affect pests by changing their behavior?

• A. Attractant
• B. Pheromones
• C. Anticoagulants
• D. Fumigants

Answer: (B)

Pheromones are chemical signals released by one individual that influence the behavior of other individuals of the same species. In pest management, these signals can alter behavior by drawing pests to traps, triggering mating responses, or signaling alarm, making them a versatile tool for manipulating pest activity. An attractant is a substance that draws pests toward something but doesn’t describe a signaling system between individuals, so it doesn’t capture the broader concept of behavior-changing chemicals. Anticoagulants and fumigants, on the other hand, are toxic agents aimed at killing pests rather than changing their behavior through chemical signaling.

Pheromones are chemical signals released by one individual that influence the behavior of other individuals of the same species. In pest management, these signals can alter behavior by drawing pests to traps, triggering mating responses, or signaling alarm, making them a versatile tool for manipulating pest activity. An attractant is a substance that draws pests toward something but doesn’t describe a signaling system between individuals, so it doesn’t capture the broader concept of behavior-changing chemicals. Anticoagulants and fumigants, on the other hand, are toxic agents aimed at killing pests rather than changing their behavior through chemical signaling.