What is the function of bait in pest control?

The function of bait in pest control primarily revolves around its ability to attract pests and deliver poison effectively. Bait is typically formulated to be appealing to the target pest, often mimicking food sources that they would naturally seek out. Once the pest consumes the bait, it introduces a toxicant into their system, which is designed to eradicate the pest population.

This method is advantageous for several reasons. It can minimize the exposure of non-target species to the toxic substances because the bait is specifically designed to attract only certain pests. Additionally, using bait can result in more efficient control of infestations, as it can lead to a domino effect where one pest consumes the bait and subsequently spreads the poison to others in its colony or community.

The other options illustrate different methods of pest control that do not align with the purpose of bait. For instance, creating a physical block against pests involves structural barriers that prevent entry, while fumigation is a gas-based treatment for treating infestations in a confined space. A chemical barrier serves to repel or hinder pest movement rather than attract and eliminate them. Thus, while these methods are effective in their respective contexts, they do not fulfill the role that bait plays in pest management.