Give an example of a monitoring tool used to assess pest populations.

Sticky traps are a commonly used monitoring tool in pest management that help assess pest populations effectively. These traps are designed to catch insects, allowing pest control professionals to monitor the type and number of pests present in a specific area. By reviewing the collected data on pest captures, professionals can determine the level of infestation, which guides their pest control strategies and helps evaluate the effectiveness of treatment methods.

Unlike other options, sticky traps provide direct evidence of pest activity, allowing for real-time monitoring. Soil moisture sensors and automatic irrigation systems primarily monitor environmental conditions related to plant health and water management rather than directly assessing pest populations. Crop rotation plans are a long-term agricultural practice aimed at soil health and pest prevention, but they do not serve as a direct monitoring tool for existing pest populations. Thus, sticky traps stand out as an effective, straightforward method for pest population assessment in various settings.