Using barriers to prevent pets from getting into an area is an example of which type of pest management method?

Utilizing barriers to prevent pets from accessing certain areas is classified as a mechanical pest management method. Mechanical methods involve the use of physical barriers or devices that inhibit the movement of pests, in this case, pets. This approach focuses on creating a direct physical obstruction to protect certain spaces, such as fencing or gates that keep pets out of gardens, for example.

In contrast, chemical methods involve the application of pesticides to control pests, while biological methods utilize natural predators or competing organisms to manage pest populations. Cultural methods involve altering practices or environmental conditions to make them less conducive to pest infestations, such as maintaining cleanliness or modifying irrigation practices. Thus, the use of physical barriers distinctly aligns with the mechanical category in pest management.