Which pest management method involves the use of barriers to prevent pests from gaining access to an area?

The method that involves the use of barriers to prevent pests from gaining access to an area is mechanical control. This approach utilizes physical means to manage pest populations. Barriers such as fences, nets, or ground covers are employed strategically to keep pests out.

Mechanical control is effective because it offers a non-toxic solution that can be implemented without the need for chemicals or biological agents, making it environmentally friendly. This method can also be very specific to certain types of pests, as different barriers can be tailored to address various pest behaviors and physical characteristics.

In contrast, chemical control involves the application of pesticides to kill or repel pests, which does not focus on barrier methods. Biological control leverages natural predators or pathogens to manage pest populations, while cultural control encompasses agricultural practices that improve plant health and reduce pest establishment, but does not primarily focus on creating physical barriers.