What is the use of physical barriers to keep pests out called?

The term for using physical barriers to keep pests out is referred to as exclusion. This practice involves implementing various strategies and materials, such as fencing, netting, or specific design features, to prevent pests from entering certain areas, particularly gardens or agricultural sites. Exclusion is an essential aspect of pest management because it proactively addresses the problem by restricting access, rather than reacting to an infestation after it occurs.

By utilizing physical barriers, you can significantly minimize the chances of pests affecting plants or crops, leading to healthier and more productive landscapes. This method is often favored because it can be environmentally friendly, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and contributing to sustainable landscape practices.

Containment, control, and protection have related but distinct meanings in pest management. Containment typically refers to methods used to contain an existing pest problem, control involves various means to manage pest populations, and protection can pertain to overall strategies used to safeguard plants from threats, which may or may not specifically involve preventing pests from entering an area.