Light

Physical Control

Definition

Physical control involves using physical barriers, traps, or mechanical methods to manage pests. It aims to physically prevent pests from accessing crops or remove them through physical means rather than relying on chemicals.

Analogy

Think of physical control as setting up a fence around your garden to keep out rabbits. Just like how a fence acts as a barrier preventing rabbits from entering and damaging your plants, physical control methods use physical barriers or traps to deter or capture pests.

Related terms

Mechanical Methods: Mechanical methods involve using tools or machinery such as nets, screens, vacuum devices, or manual removal techniques (e.g., handpicking) to physically remove pests from an area.

Exclusion Techniques: Exclusion techniques refer to practices that aim to exclude pests from specific areas by using barriers such as nets, fences, or screens. These techniques are commonly used in agriculture and gardening.

Traps: Traps are devices designed to attract and capture pests. They can be sticky traps for insects, baited traps for rodents, or pheromone-based traps that lure specific pest species. Traps are often used in conjunction with other pest management strategies.