What is a common mode of entry for this pest related to plants?

Hitching a ride in potted plants is a well-known mode of entry for pests related to plants because many of these organisms are either already living in the soil or on the plant itself when they are sold and transported. This allows them to easily spread to new environments without needing to actively find their way in. Potted plants can carry not only insects but also diseases and other pests that may not be visible during transport. This emphasizes the importance of inspecting plants before introducing them to new areas, particularly in nurseries and garden centers where the likelihood of pest presence is higher.

The other options, while they may involve some pests or environmental factors, do not represent the most common and direct method of introducing plant-related pests, particularly in the context of potted plants.