How can mechanical controls assist in pest management?

Mechanical controls play a crucial role in pest management by using physical methods to manage pest populations without the reliance on chemical treatments. The correct answer focuses on two main aspects: physically blocking entry points and removing pests from the environment.

Blocking entry points involves implementing barriers such as screens, sealants, and nets to prevent pests from entering a building or specific area. This proactive approach helps reduce the likelihood of infestations from the outset.

Removing pests from the environment can include using traps or vacuums to capture or eliminate pests that are already present. This approach minimizes the pest population in a targeted manner, effectively controlling the issue without the potential risks associated with chemical applications.

Other choices involve methods that do not align with the mechanical control definition. For example, applying chemical treatments is not mechanical but rather a chemical control method; promoting beneficial insects pertains to biological control strategies; and using sound to deter pests falls under more experimental or physical deterrents that may not be standardized as mechanical solutions.