Physical IPM Controls in the Forest Garden:

Physical controls can be an effective form of pest control in the Forest Garden. Forest Gardeners use a variety of physical control methods to treat specific pests or to provide general protection from all intruders. They are generally most useful once a pest population begins to rise. Most Forest Gardeners combine physical controls with other IPM control measures to focus first on preventing pest populations from increasing while planning and preparing for the use of physical controls if and when they do need them. 

Examples of Physical IPM Controls: 

1. Setting out sticky traps to attract and trap pests, keeping them away from crops 
2. Covering crops with nets to prevent pests such as insects and birds from reaching them 
3. Hand-picking and destroying insects and eggs from plants in the early stages of infestation 
4. Removing weeds, fallen foliage, and fruit that might attract or host pests from the production area 
5. Sweeping the area frequently to remove debris that would serve as breeding grounds for pests and diseases 
6. Planting a vegetative barrier between crop areas to repel or deter pests from entering