What type of pests are commonly referred to as true bugs?

The correct answer centers on the classification of true bugs, which are part of the order Hemiptera. These insects are characterized by their mouthparts adapted for piercing and sucking, allowing them to feed on plant sap, animal fluids, or other organic materials. This behavior categorizes them as sucking pests, which is why option A is accurate. True bugs include familiar examples such as aphids, cicadas, and bed bugs, all of which utilize their specialized mouthparts to extract nutrients from their hosts.

The other classifications do not align with the defining characteristics of true bugs. Boring pests typically refer to insects that create tunnels in wood or plant tissues, which is a different feeding strategy. Predatory pests are those that actively hunt and feed on other insects, showcasing a distinct behavioral pattern unlike that of sucking pests. Herbivorous pests might feed on plant tissues as a broader category, but true bugs specifically employ a piercing-sucking method, further establishing their distinction. Therefore, the relationship between true bugs and their method of feeding reinforces why sucking pests is the correct choice.