Which of the following is an example of mechanical pest control?

• A. Cultivating
• B. Hand-picking Insects
• C. Releasing Predators
• D. Applying Herbicide

Answer: (B)

Mechanical pest control relies on physical methods to remove or deter pests. Hand-picking insects fits this category perfectly because it involves directly and physically removing pests from plants and discarding them, reducing the pest population without using chemicals or biological agents. It’s a straightforward, immediate way to reduce damage by literally taking pests off the plants.

Cultivating the soil or crops changes the growing environment to reduce pest pressure, which is more about altering conditions (a cultural approach) than removing pests directly. Releasing predators uses living organisms to control pests (biological control). Applying herbicide uses chemicals to kill pests (chemical control).