What does the term "cultural control" refer to in pest management?

The term "cultural control" in pest management refers to methods that modify the environment, habitat, or cultural practices to make it less conducive to pest infestations. This approach aims to reduce pest attraction by changing factors such as planting practices, irrigation techniques, crop rotation, and sanitation. For instance, altering the timing of planting or harvesting can disrupt the life cycles of pests, while maintaining cleanliness can eliminate breeding grounds.

Understanding cultural control is essential because it emphasizes the prevention of pest problems rather than relying solely on reactive measures like chemical treatments. While traps and barriers can be effective in managing specific pest issues, they fall under different management strategies and do not encompass the broader changes in practices associated with cultural control. The same applies to genetic manipulation, which is a more targeted approach to pest resistance rather than a comprehensive habitat modification strategy.