Mechanical controls are measures that help keep pest populations below nuisance levels. For example, brushing, mowing, cultivating, or tilling disrupts the growing environment for many soil insects and/or undesirable vegetative growth.

Handpicking can rid small garden and landscaped areas of snails, slugs, caterpillars, and other pests. Even a strong spray of water will dislodge leaf-foraging pests, moss from roof eaves, and other undesirables.