What measure did ancient civilizations often take to control pests?

Ancient civilizations often utilized cultivation of resistant crops as a measure to control pests. This practice involved selecting and breeding plants that had inherent traits making them less appealing or susceptible to pest attacks. These traits could involve thicker skins, natural repellents, or other characteristics that deter insects and other pests from feeding on them. By cultivating these resistant varieties, ancient farmers were able to maintain crop yields and reduce the reliance on more labor-intensive pest control methods.

This approach not only contributed to sustainable agriculture but also laid the groundwork for modern breeding practices aimed at enhancing resistance in various crop species. It reflects an understanding of the relationship between crops and pests, enabling farmers to develop effective pest management strategies without the need for synthetic chemicals, which were not available at that time.

Other measures, such as trapping and barriers, could also be effective in pest control but may not have offered the same long-term, sustainable solution as cultivating resistant crops.