Which of the following is NOT considered a physical control for Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

In the context of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), physical controls are methods that employ physical barriers or practices to prevent pests from causing harm. This approach emphasizes non-chemical means to manage pest populations effectively.

Screens on windows serve as a barrier to keep flying insects out of buildings, making them a clear example of a physical control measure. Similarly, nets over plants prevent pests from accessing the foliage, providing another effective physical barrier.

Treating the soil with a pesticide, however, does not fit into the category of physical controls. Pesticides are chemical agents designed to kill or repel pests rather than using physical means. Therefore, while soil treatment can be an important part of pest management strategies, it is not classified as a physical control because it does not rely on a physical method to deter or eliminate pests.

This distinction highlights the importance of understanding various IPM strategies, where the aim is to utilize the least harmful methods for pest control, emphasizing physical and biological methods over chemical ones whenever possible.