North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

What defines mechanical pest control?

1. Using chemicals to eliminate pests

2. Using barriers to prevent pest entry

3. Biological methods to control pest populations

4. Applying pesticides at improper times

The correct answer is: Using barriers to prevent pest entry

Mechanical pest control is defined primarily by its use of physical methods to manage pests, which often includes the implementation of barriers to prevent pest entry into an environment. This can involve the installation of screens, doors, and other physical structures aimed at keeping pests out of homes and gardens. Additionally, mechanical pest control can include traps or other devices that physically remove pests from the area. In contrast, using chemicals to eliminate pests involves chemical pest control methods, which does not align with the mechanical approach. Biological methods, while effective, rely on living organisms to control pest populations and are separate from mechanical methods. Applying pesticides at improper times is not only ineffective but could also cause harm to non-target organisms and is not considered a valid pest control method in this context. Therefore, the focus on barriers highlights the essential characteristic of mechanical pest control.