QAL Laws & Regulation Practice Exam

Sealing cracks and crevices in buildings is an example of which type of mechanical control method?

1. Monitoring

2. Exclusion

3. Trapping

4. Application

The correct answer is: Exclusion

Sealing cracks and crevices in buildings is a classic example of exclusion as a mechanical control method. This approach focuses on preventing pests and unwanted organisms from entering a space. By sealing gaps, cracks, and crevices, you effectively create barriers that limit access to the interior of the building for potential pests, such as rodents and insects. This proactive tactic ensures that pests are kept out, rather than dealing with them once they have invaded the space. In contrast, monitoring involves checking for signs of pests without taking active measures against them; trapping refers to capturing pests that are already present; and application typically involves the use of chemicals or substances to manage pest populations. These methods do not primarily focus on preventing entry, which is the essence of exclusion. Thus, sealing is clearly aligned with the goal of limiting pest access through physical barriers.