Physical control method

• Manipulation of physical factors like heat, cold, humidity, light, and sound are used in this method.
• This method is applicable for the storage of pests.
• It can be done in following ways:

1. Manipulation of Temperature:

I. Application of High temperature:

• Superheating empty Godowns to a temperature above 50 0 C for 10-12 hours kills the hibernating stored grain pests.
• If cotton seed is exposed to 52 0 C for 5 min the hibernating larvae of pink boll worm will kill.

ii. Application of low-temperature

• When stored grain pest is exposed to lower temperatures below 5 0 C it kills the insects.

2. Manipulation of moisture:

• Optimum temperature and higher moisture areas are favorable for insect attack.
• Moisture of storage grain should be below 12% moisture.

3. Manipulation of light

• Many insects are attracting UV- rays 320-400 nm is a range of visible for insects.

4. Manipulation of sound

• Male mosquitoes are attracted by special sound waves and made sterile by electronic flash guns in Canada.