What is a common example of mechanical control?

A common example of mechanical control is setting rodent traps. This method involves using physical devices to capture or kill pests, thereby directly reducing their populations without the use of chemicals. Mechanical controls are effective because they can target specific pests, minimize the risk of harming non-target species, and can be reused, which makes them both environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.

In contrast, the other options represent different control strategies. Using insecticides involves chemical control, which can have environmental and health implications. Crop rotation is a cultural practice that helps disrupt pest life cycles but does not involve mechanical action. Planting pest-resistant seeds is a form of biological control that relies on genetic traits to naturally deter pests rather than utilizing a physical trapping method. Thus, setting rodent traps stands out as the quintessential example of mechanical control.