Which of the following is a non-chemical pest management method?

• A. Releasing natural enemies to reduce pest populations.
• B. Spraying a pesticide.
• C. Using pheromone traps without chemicals.
• D. Installing screens to exclude pests.

Answer: (A)

Non-chemical pest management focuses on reducing pests without using pesticides. Releasing natural enemies—such as predatory or parasitic insects, or beneficial nematodes—uses living organisms to directly attack and lower pest populations. This biological control leverages natural ecological relationships and can provide ongoing suppression without chemical residues, supporting environmental health and beneficial insects.

Spraying a pesticide clearly involves applying a chemical to kill pests. Using pheromone traps relies on chemical attractants to lure pests for monitoring or trapping, which is chemical-based even if no poison is applied. Installing screens is a physical barrier that prevents pests from entering, a non-chemical approach, but it doesn’t actively reduce pest populations in the same way biological control does.