What is an advantage of using bait over spray pesticides?

Using bait to manage pest populations offers the advantage of specifically targeting certain pests. This specificity is important because it minimizes the impact on non-target organisms, which helps to protect beneficial insects and the surrounding environment.

When baits are designed for particular pests, they typically contain attractants or food sources that appeal directly to those pests, making them more effective in controlling the intended species. This targeted approach not only ensures a better return on investment for pest control efforts but also reduces the need for broader chemical treatments that can have wider ecological implications.

The other options, while potentially relevant in certain contexts, do not universally characterize the advantages of baits. For instance, the production costs of baits can vary significantly depending on the formulation, and they might not always be biodegradable or quicker to apply compared to sprays. Understanding the benefits of bait targeting specific pests is crucial for effective integrated pest management strategies.