MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Sealing building cracks and small openings is an example of what kind of pest management method?

1. Mechanical

2. Cultural

3. Physical

4. Regulatory

The correct answer is: Physical

Sealing building cracks and small openings is an example of a physical pest management method. Physical methods involve modifying the environment to prevent pests from entering, nesting, or thriving in a particular area. By sealing cracks and openings, you are directly addressing potential entry points for pests, thereby reducing the likelihood of infestations. This approach not only helps in keeping pests out but also minimizes the need for chemical interventions, making it a proactive strategy in pest management. Physical barriers are a critical component of integrated pest management (IPM) because they can prevent pests from becoming established in the first place. The overall goal is to create an unfavorable environment for pests, and sealing entry points effectively disrupts their ability to access food, shelter, and breeding sites. In contrast to physical methods, mechanical pest management would typically involve actively moving or removing pests, cultural methods focus on altering factors that affect pest life cycles (like changing irrigation practices or crop rotation), and regulatory methods are concerned with compliance with laws and regulations governing pest control practices.