What is the primary purpose of a repellent in pest management?

The primary purpose of a repellent in pest management is to prevent pests from approaching. Repellents work by creating a barrier or an unpleasant environment for pests, which discourages them from entering a particular area or approaching a treated surface. This method of pest management is especially beneficial in scenarios where chemical control methods are impractical or where non-lethal options are preferred.

By using repellents, pest management efforts can reduce the likelihood of pest infestations without necessarily killing the pests. This approach can help maintain a balance in the ecosystem, as it focuses on discouraging pest presence rather than eliminating them completely.

In this context, the other choices highlight different pest management strategies. Killing pests on contact involves the use of insecticides that act immediately to eliminate pests, while enhancing pest reproduction goes against pest control goals. Attracting pests for capture is a tactic used in trapping, not repelling. Each of these strategies serves a distinct purpose within pest management, but the role of a repellent specifically aims at keeping pests away.