Which is an example of a mechanical control method in pest management?

Using traps to capture pests is an example of a mechanical control method in pest management because it involves the physical removal or containment of pests without the use of chemicals. Mechanical control methods are typically hands-on approaches that entail employing tools, devices, or physical barriers to manage pest populations.

In this case, traps are designed to attract and capture pests, thereby reducing their numbers directly. This method is effective for a variety of pests and is often used in conjunction with other pest management strategies to create an integrated approach. The focus on physical capture aligns with the principles of mechanical control, as it relies on physical intervention rather than chemical substances or natural deterrents.

The other options involve chemical applications or biological strategies that do not fit the criteria for mechanical control methods. For example, applying chemical repellents and using essential oils as deterrents rely on the use of substances that repel pests rather than physically capturing them. Planting pest-resistant varieties is a form of biological control that involves the cultivation of plants designed to withstand pest pressure, rather than using a physical method to directly deal with existing pest populations.