What are the two main pest management methods?

The correct answer emphasizes the two primary approaches to pest management: natural controls and applied controls. Natural controls refer to the use of biological agents, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, to manage pest populations in a way that leverages ecological balances. This method relies on understanding and harnessing nature's own tools for pest control, which can include the use of beneficial insects, the introduction of competing species, or enhancing habitats that support natural enemies of pests.

Applied controls, on the other hand, entail human intervention through various methods, including chemical applications (pesticides), physical barriers, traps, and cultural practices aimed at promoting healthier ecosystems to prevent pest outbreaks. This approach often involves the strategic application of pesticides, along with other techniques, to effectively reduce pest levels while minimizing harm to beneficial organisms and the environment.

The other options focus on specific kinds of controls that do not encapsulate the broader spectrum of pest management techniques as effectively as the combination of natural and applied controls does. For instance, while nutritional and behavioral controls might play a role in certain pest management scenarios, they do not cover the comprehensive strategies employed in pest control. Similarly, mechanical and electronic controls are more specific applications rather than overarching strategies. Thus, the outlined answer accurately reflects the foundational concepts