Which of the following is a physical control method for pests?

Temperature or humidity manipulation is classified as a physical control method for pests because it involves the direct alteration of environmental conditions to suppress pest populations. This approach relies on physical means rather than chemical or biological interventions.

For example, increasing humidity may promote the growth of beneficial organisms while inhibiting harmful pests, or lowering temperatures may slow down pest development and reproduction. Physical control methods are often used in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, where they work alongside other control methods to create a holistic approach to pest management.

In contrast, cultural methods involve changes in farming practices to reduce pest establishment, biological methods utilize natural predators or parasites to control pest populations, and legal methods pertain to regulations or laws governing pesticide use, which are not physical in nature. Each of these alternatives serves a different role in pest management strategies, further distinguishing them from physical control methods like temperature or humidity manipulation.