Lowering the humidity of stored grains to reduce damage from mold is an example of which type of pest management method?

Lowering the humidity of stored grains is an effective method for pest management because it directly alters the environment in which mold thrives. By reducing humidity, the conditions become less favorable for mold growth, thereby preventing damage to the grains. This approach falls under physical/environment modification because it involves changing the physical conditions of the storage environment rather than using chemicals or implementing other pest control strategies.

Cultural control, on the other hand, involves practices related to the management of the environment in which crops are grown, but it typically refers to practices that aim to promote plant health and reduce the chances of pest infestations through agricultural techniques. Pesticide application refers to the direct use of chemical substances to kill or deter pests, which is not what's being done in this scenario. Mechanical control encompasses physical devices or methods to deter pests, such as traps or barriers, but does not focus on modifying environmental conditions like humidity.

Reducing humidity is a strategic approach that modifies the storage environment, ensuring that the stored products remain safe from mold and other moisture-related issues.