What is a flushing agent used for in pest control?

A flushing agent is specifically used to force insects out of their hiding spots. This is an important step in pest control as many pests tend to hide in crevices, cracks, or other sheltered areas, making it difficult to effectively treat or eliminate them. By using a flushing agent, pest control professionals can encourage the pests to emerge into open areas where they can be more easily targeted with treatments such as insecticides or traps.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes within the realm of pest management. For example, while attracting pests to traps can help in monitoring populations, it does not actively remove pests from their harborage. Similarly, poisoning typically aims to kill pests without necessarily addressing their localized hiding places directly. Sealing entrances against pests is a preventive measure to deter them from entering in the first place, rather than addressing existing infestations. Thus, the use of a flushing agent plays a critical role in the active management and eradication of pest populations hidden from sight.