What does mechanical control in pest management primarily involve?

Mechanical control in pest management refers to methods that involve the physical removal or control of pests and invasive species. This can include using traps, barriers, or tools to manage infestations without the use of chemicals or biological agents. For example, hand-picking pests from plants or using vacuum systems to remove insects are both forms of mechanical control. The focus is on direct, tangible actions that physically affect pest populations.

In contrast, biological removal relies on natural predators or parasites to control pest populations, while the use of chemical herbicides involves applying substances to kill or inhibit unwanted plants or pests. Planting resistant crops instead focuses on horticultural strategies to reduce pest impact. Each of these methods plays a role in integrated pest management, but mechanical control is specifically centered on physical interventions.