What is an example of a mechanical control method?

Using traps to capture pests is a classic example of a mechanical control method. This strategy involves employing physical devices designed to attract and capture pests, thereby reducing their population without the use of chemical agents. Traps can be designed for various pests, including rodents, insects, and other unwanted organisms, making them versatile tools in pest management.

Mechanical control methods focus on physical actions rather than chemical or biological interventions. They rely on the disruption or removal of pests through tangible means, which can include traps, barriers, or even manually removing pests. This method is essential for integrated pest management because it minimizes harm to the environment and non-target organisms, thus promoting a balanced ecosystem.

In contrast, applying pesticides falls under chemical control methods, planting resistant crop varieties is a biological control strategy, and using natural predators involves ecological dynamics. Each of these alternatives serves different purposes in pest management but does not qualify as a mechanical control method like traps do.