What is an example of a mechanical treatment in pest management?

Utilizing a vacuum for pest removal is an example of a mechanical treatment in pest management because it involves the physical removal of pests without the use of chemicals. Mechanical treatments focus on using physical methods to control pests, which can be effective in managing populations while minimizing risk to non-target organisms and the environment. This approach can include various techniques, such as trapping, exclusion, and direct removal, and vacuuming pests directly targets them and helps to reduce their numbers without introducing chemical agents.

In contrast, using natural pest deterrents involves biological or chemical elements derived from nature and does not fall into the mechanical category. Setting up pheromone traps relies on luring pests with specific scents, which again is not a physical method but rather a biological approach. Applying herbicides is directly related to chemical treatments that target plant pests and invasive species, clearly distinguishing it from mechanical practices.