Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

What does physical control refer to in pest management?

1. Adjusting chemical composition of pesticides

2. Changing environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity

3. Utilizing biological agents to manage pests

4. Implementing economic control measures

The correct answer is: Changing environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity

Physical control in pest management primarily refers to altering the environment to make it less conducive for pests to thrive. This includes methods that change physical conditions like temperature, humidity, or even the arrangement of physical barriers, which can inhibit pest access to resources or disrupt their life cycles. For example, increasing temperature may harm pests that cannot tolerate heat, while manipulating humidity can affect their reproduction rates. In contrast, adjusting the chemical composition of pesticides focuses on the formulation and application of chemicals rather than environmental changes. Utilizing biological agents pertains to the use of natural predators or parasites to keep pest populations in check. Implementing economic control measures generally involves financial strategies, such as cost-benefit analysis or economic thresholds, rather than direct manipulation of the environment or conditions affecting pests. Thus, the correct answer highlights the importance of environmental factors in effective pest management through physical control measures.