Lowering humidity in stored grains is an example of which pest management method?

Lowering humidity in stored grains is categorized as a cultural pest management method because it involves modifying the environment to reduce the likelihood of pest infestations. Cultural methods focus on practices that enhance crop management and soil health, including adjustments that directly affect the habitat conditions for pests.

By lowering humidity, the moisture levels in the grains are reduced, which creates an unfavorable environment for pests such as mold, insects, and rodents that thrive in more humid conditions. This preventative approach minimizes pest damage without the need for chemical interventions, supporting the broader principles of integrated pest management.

Other methods, such as regulatory strategies, involve laws and regulations governing pest control, while biological methods utilize natural predators or pathogens to combat pests. Mechanical methods rely on physical devices like traps or barriers to exclude or capture pests. These approaches differ from cultural methods, which directly manipulate the growing conditions or practices to deter pests.