What method can be included in mechanical pest control?

Utilizing traps and screens falls under the category of mechanical pest control because it involves the physical removal or exclusion of pests without the use of chemicals. This method effectively captures pests and prevents them from entering certain areas, thereby reducing their populations without impacting the surrounding environment or non-target species. Mechanical control is advantageous in pest management as it minimizes reliance on chemical solutions, aligns with integrated pest management principles, and can be implemented in a variety of settings, from homes to agricultural fields.

Genetic engineering of plants represents a biotechnological approach, applying modifications to plant genetics for pest resistance rather than employing a mechanical strategy. Applying chemical pesticides obviously involves the direct use of chemicals to eliminate pests, which is distinct from mechanical methods. Similarly, conducting soil fumigation utilizes gaseous chemicals to control pests in the soil, again not adhering to the mechanical approach defined by trapping or physical barriers.