What is a common non-chemical pest control method?

Using insect traps is a common non-chemical pest control method because it utilizes physical means to capture and remove pests without relying on chemical substances. Traps can be designed to attract specific pests, and once caught, they can usually be disposed of or managed without leaving behind chemical residues that could affect the environment or non-target organisms.

This method is beneficial as it minimizes the risk of pesticide exposure to humans, pets, and beneficial insects. Additionally, traps can be effective in monitoring pest populations and determining the extent of an infestation, allowing for more targeted pest management strategies.

In contrast, thermal extermination is a method that changes temperature to eliminate pests, while fumigation involves the use of gaseous pesticides to suffocate or poison pests within an enclosed area. Both of these approaches, although effective, can involve chemical elements or methods that are not considered non-chemical pest control. Synthetic pesticides are outright chemical substances designed to kill pests, and therefore do not fall under the category of non-chemical methods.