Physical pest control

Description of practice

Physical pest control is a method of removing insects and small rodents by trapping, setting up barriers or kaolin sprays to prevent further crop damage. It also includes controlling pests before plants are sown.

Examples of how to use physical pest control		Further information (see Note below)
	Insect traps Coloured traps emitting pheromones are set up in agricultural fields to attract and kill flying insect pests. These traps are intended to provide an effective replacement for expensive insecticides.	»WOCAT technology 1054
	Tree bufferzone Indigenous trees are used to create a buffer zone between fields, preventing the spread of diseases. The trees also enhance the biodiversity of the area.	»WOCAT technology 1709
	Kaolin spray Kaolin (a clay mineral) is sprayed onto tree and vegetable crops. The spray leaves a particle film that protects from pests and environmental stresses.	»Wikipedia - Kaolin spray »Philadelphia Orchard Project
	Rodent traps Traps are placed at strategic locations to capture or kill rodents that often cause serious harm to crops and plants.	»Farmers Weekly
	Fences Fences are constructed from (typically locally grown) wooden poles and galvanized iron netting (for example to keep wild boars off pasture).	»WOCAT technology 3138
Photo: Luuk Fleskens	Nets and nethouses Nets are used in fruit cultivation to protect against birds. A net house is a structure that is enclosed by a nylon net (like a mosquito net) protecting vegetables from insects and damage by rainfall, wind and sunlight.	»WOCAT technology 1608
	Temporary inundation Bulb fields are temporarily inundated to clear the soil of nematodes, weeds and bulb residues. Inundation reduces the use of chemical pesticides and the submerged plots are popular with birds attracted by mosquito larvae, worms, and water fleas.	»Landbouw met Natuur

Note: Most of the Further information links are to a full description of the example in the WOCAT database. However sometimes the link may be to similar practices or a research paper. Occasionally the link is to a commercial product in which case it should be understood that this does not imply any endorsement of the product by iSQAPER.