Which pest management method involves the use of pesticides to control pests?

Chemical control refers to the use of pesticides to manage and eliminate pest populations. This method encompasses a wide range of substances designed to target specific pests, including insects, weeds, fungi, and other unwanted organisms. Pesticides can be synthetic or derived from natural sources, and they function by disrupting the biological processes of the pests, consequently leading to their death or incapacitation.

Chemical control is often employed when rapid action is required to protect crops or prevent significant economic loss. It is particularly useful in scenarios where pest populations are high or where other methods may not be effective.

In contrast, mechanical control involves physical methods of pest exclusion or removal, such as traps or barriers. Cultural control relies on agricultural practices that make the environment less conducive to pest viability, such as crop rotation or appropriate planting times. Biological control utilizes other living organisms, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, to reduce pest populations. Each of these methods has its specific applications and benefits, but chemical control distinctly pertains to the application of pesticides.