Which of the following is an example of a mechanical control method?

Mechanical control methods are strategies that utilize physical means to manage pest populations without the use of chemical pesticides. The correct answer, which identifies traps as a mechanical control method, aligns perfectly with this definition. Traps function by physically capturing or killing insects, effectively reducing their numbers without relying on chemicals or biological agents.

For example, traps can include sticky traps, pheromone traps, or snap traps. These devices specifically target pests and can be strategically placed in infested areas to directly minimize insect populations.

In contrast, the other options provided involve chemical or biological control methods. Chlorpyrifos is a synthetic insecticide used for pest control through chemical means. Insecticidal soap is a formulation that kills soft-bodied insects when sprayed on them, utilizing a chemical reaction rather than a physical method. Neem oil, derived from the seeds of the neem tree, acts as a natural pesticide primarily through its chemical properties that disrupt the life cycles of pests. While all options are valid pest management techniques, only traps fit the category of a mechanical control method.