SPCB Branch 2 Field Representative – Safety/Regulatory Practice Exam

Lowering the humidity of stored grains and other food products to reduce damage from mold exemplifies the physical/environmental modification method of pest management. This approach focuses on creating an environment that is unfavorable for pests, in this case, mold, by manipulating physical conditions such as temperature and humidity levels.

By decreasing humidity, the moisture that mold thrives on is minimized, thus helping to inhibit its growth and spread. This method is particularly effective because it directly alters the environment in which pests survive, rather than relying on chemical interventions or biological agents.

While other pest management strategies have their own merits, they operate differently from the physical/environmental modification approach. For instance, pesticide application involves the use of chemicals to kill or control pests, which is not the focus in this scenario. Biological control refers to the use of natural predators or parasites to manage pest populations, and cultural practices involve farming techniques or processes that reduce pest establishment, reproduction, and survival. However, in this case, adjusting humidity is a clear example of modifying the physical environment to protect the stored products from mold growth.