What does mechanical control in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) refer to?

Mechanical control in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) refers specifically to the use of physical methods to manage pest populations. This can include various techniques such as traps, barriers, hand-picking pests, and the use of vacuum devices to remove pests from plants. The focus of mechanical control is to disrupt pest habitats or to physically remove or exclude pests without the use of chemical treatments.

This approach is an important component of IPM as it emphasizes non-chemical methods that can be effective and environmentally friendly. Mechanical control is often used in combination with other pest management strategies to create a more holistic approach to controlling pest populations, minimizing reliance on chemical pesticides, and reducing their potential impacts on the environment and human health.