What type of pest management method involves using barriers to prevent pests from entering an area?

Mechanical control involves using physical barriers or devices to prevent pests from entering a specific area. This can include methods such as screens, nets, or fencing that physically block pests from gaining access to buildings, gardens, or other protected spaces. The idea is to create a physical obstruction that insects, rodents, and other pests cannot overcome, thereby reducing the likelihood of infestation.

In contrast, biological control focuses on using natural predators or parasites to manage pest populations. Cultural control involves changing agricultural practices or environmental conditions to make the environment less conducive to pests. Chemical control relies on pesticides to manage pest populations, often through application methods that may not provide a physical barrier. Thus, mechanical control stands out as the method that specifically relies on the use of barriers for pest management.