In pest management, what is the primary purpose of using a desiccant?

The primary purpose of using a desiccant in pest management is to absorb moisture. Desiccants are substances that induce dryness by removing moisture from the environment and the surrounding materials. This effect is crucial in controlling pest populations, particularly insects and other arthropods, which often require a certain level of humidity for survival. By creating a dry environment, desiccants can lead to dehydration of pests, effectively helping in their control.

While desiccants can indirectly contribute to pest mortality by dehydrating pests, their main role is moisture absorption, setting them apart from methods aimed explicitly at killing pests or repelling them. They also do not serve to mask odors, which is relevant for understanding their specific function in integrated pest management strategies.