Which of the following is a mechanical method of pest management?

A mechanical method of pest management involves using physical means to control pests rather than relying on chemical or biological approaches. Using traps is a prime example of this method, as it entails deploying devices designed to capture or kill pests directly. This approach can effectively reduce pest populations without the need for chemical pesticides, making it a more environmentally friendly option in many cases.

In contrast, applying pesticides involves the use of chemical substances to manage pest populations, which is not considered a mechanical method. Crop rotation focuses on changing the types of crops grown in a particular area to disrupt pest life cycles, which also falls under cultural practices rather than mechanical interventions. Releasing natural predators involves biological control methods that introduce other organisms to keep pest populations in check, separate from mechanical pest management strategies.