What is the purpose of using mechanical or physical controls in pest management?

The purpose of using mechanical or physical controls in pest management is primarily to kill pests directly or disrupt their environment. This method employs techniques that do not rely on chemical pesticides but instead utilize physical barriers, traps, manual removal, or changes in the environment to manage pest populations effectively.

For instance, physical controls can include barriers like insect nets or screens that prevent pests from accessing plants, or traps that capture and eliminate pests directly. Other examples include practices such as tilling or using vacuum systems to remove pests from a space. By focusing on these direct methods, mechanical or physical controls aim to lower pest populations without introducing chemicals that may have unintended consequences on the ecosystem or those utilizing the area.

This approach is essential in integrated pest management as it can provide a safer, environmentally friendly option, often working in conjunction with other methods to achieve sustainable pest control.