What is one method of mechanical pest control?

Handpicking pests is a method of mechanical pest control that relies on physical removal rather than chemical intervention. This practice involves manually selecting and removing pests from plants or infested areas, which can be effective for managing smaller infestations. Handpicking is particularly useful for larger insects like caterpillars or beetles and is a non-toxic approach that poses little risk to beneficial organisms and the environment.

In contrast, the other methods listed involve chemical or technological interventions. Chemical fumigation uses gases to eliminate pests and is more invasive, impacting a broader area. Setting up poison traps introduces toxins into the environment, posing risks to non-target species, including pets and wildlife. Aerial spraying of pesticides is a form of pesticide application that covers large areas but can lead to potential hazards to the ecosystem and human health due to chemical exposure. Thus, handpicking stands out as a purely mechanical and environmentally friendly method.