What is the primary use of pheromone traps in turf management?

The primary use of pheromone traps in turf management is to monitor a single species of pest. Pheromone traps are designed to release a synthetic version of the pheromones that are naturally emitted by certain insects to attract mates. By doing so, they can effectively lure specific pests into the trap, allowing turf managers to identify the presence and population levels of that particular pest species. This targeted monitoring is crucial as it helps to inform management decisions and determine the need for further control measures.

While pheromone traps may incidentally catch other insects, their primary function is to focus on one species at a time, providing valuable data regarding that specific pest's lifecycle and behavior. This information is critical for developing effective integrated pest management strategies. The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of pheromone traps, which is centered on specific pest monitoring rather than general attraction or capturing soil-dwelling insects.