Pheromones are behaviour modifiers. By attracting pests into traps it is possible to detect the presence of such pests before they become a problem. Monitoring - we can attract pests into traps and count them at set intervals. Although this has no direct affect on the pest population, it does provide invaluable information about that population. This information can then be used to refine and redirect control measures.
Monitoring is also useful in determining how effective a control programme is.
Mass Trapping - pheromones can be used to lure many insect pests into traps. In certain situations, control may be achieved by this method. Traps are deployed at a much higher density than they would be for monitoring purposes. A successful mass trapping programme depends on factors such as timing of trap deployment, trap density and trap type. Mass trapping is used to best effect in agricultural situations.