What does the term 'mechanical control' refer to in pest management?

The term 'mechanical control' in pest management specifically refers to using physical methods to manage pest populations. This can include actions such as trapping, hand-picking pests, installing barriers, or other techniques that physically remove or exclude pests from a given area. These methods are environmentally friendly and do not rely on chemicals or biological agents, making them a significant component of integrated pest management strategies.

By utilizing mechanical control, pest managers can effectively reduce pest populations while minimizing the potential impact on non-target species and the environment. This approach also emphasizes prevention, as many mechanical controls are designed to stop pests from entering an area in the first place.