What is an example of mechanical pest control?

Mechanical pest control involves the use of physical methods to manage pest populations. Installing screens to keep pests out is a perfect example of this approach, as it physically prevents pests from entering a space, thereby reducing their ability to infest crops or structures. This method is effective because it creates a barrier that pests cannot cross, directly stopping them from causing damage without the use of chemicals.

Other methods listed may contribute to pest management but do not fit the definition of mechanical control. For example, crop rotation is a cultural practice aimed at enhancing soil health and disrupting pest life cycles. Using natural predators falls under biological control, which relies on encouraging specific species to keep pest numbers in check. Lowering ambient humidity may influence pest development but is more of an environmental modification than a mechanical intervention.