Which method of pest control involves physical barriers and traps?

The method of pest control that involves physical barriers and traps is known as mechanical or physical control. This approach utilizes tangible measures to prevent pests from accessing plants or areas where they may cause damage. Examples include the use of screens or nets to keep insects out, as well as traps that capture pests, thereby reducing their populations without the use of chemicals.

Mechanical control is effective because it can physically eliminate or deter pests without introducing potentially harmful substances into the environment. By relying on physical means rather than chemical application or biological agents, this method can often provide a more immediate solution to pest issues while minimizing risks to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and mammals.

In contrast, cultural control focuses on agricultural practices that can help prevent pest problems, biological control employs natural predators or parasites to manage pest populations, and chemical control involves the application of pesticides to eradicate pests. These alternatives may complement mechanical control, but they operate on different principles and methods.