Monitoring pests at airports and ocean ports that pose a serious threat to public health or widespread damages to crops or animals is an example of which type of pest management method?

• A. Genetic
• B. Regulatory
• C. Biological
• D. Integrated

Answer: (B)

Monitoring at airports and seaports is a regulatory approach to pest management. This method uses laws, inspections, quarantine, and enforcement to prevent dangerous pests from entering a country or spreading to new areas. By systematically checking shipments and movement of goods, authorities reduce the risk to public health, crops, and animals, which is the essence of regulatory pest management.

Other approaches involve directly reducing pests or altering their biology. Genetic methods modify pest genes or use sterile insects, which isn’t what border monitoring does. Biological methods rely on natural enemies or pathogens to control pests, not on regulatory checks. Integrated pest management combines multiple strategies, but the example given specifically highlights regulatory controls and border protections rather than a coordinated mix of techniques, making regulatory the best fit.