How do insecticide baits generally attract target insects?

Insecticide baits are designed to effectively target specific insects by leveraging a combination of an insecticide and attractive food substances. This combination is crucial because it takes advantage of the natural feeding behaviors of insects, drawing them in with the food while delivering a lethal dose of the insecticide. The attractive food component encourages the insects to consume the bait, which can then lead to their demise and, in many cases, the spread of the insecticide to other members of their colony through sharing food.

This method is particularly effective for pests like ants and cockroaches, which are drawn to specific food sources. By appealing to their hunger, the bait increases the likelihood that the targeted insects will encounter and ingest the insecticide, enhancing the overall effectiveness of pest control efforts.

Other options present different means of attracting insects but do not align with the typical formulation and function of insecticide baits. Using only chemical attractants lacks the critical component of feeding appeal, traps do not involve the ingestion of an insecticide, and using harmful pheromones can repel rather than attract. Therefore, the combination of insecticides with attractive food stands out as the most effective and common method for attracting target insects to insecticide baits.