Why is free water considered a pest attractant?

Free water is considered a pest attractant primarily because most pests require water to survive. This is particularly true for many insects and other pests, which depend on water for hydration, reproduction, and other essential biological functions. The presence of free water creates an environment conducive to pest proliferation, as it provides the necessary resources they need to thrive.

While factors such as plant growth, environmental cooling, and visibility can play roles in pest dynamics, they do not directly relate to the inherent survival needs of most pests in the same way that accessible water does. Thus, the critical factor in pest attraction is the necessity of water for their survival and reproduction, making it a significant attractant.