Which of the following is a mechanical control tactic in an IPM strategy?

In Integrated Pest Management (IPM), mechanical control tactics focus on physical methods that help manage pest populations without relying on chemical interventions. Using traps to capture pests is a prime example of this approach, as it directly employs a physical mechanism to reduce pest numbers. Traps can be designed to attract and immobilize specific pests, thus effectively lowering their populations in a targeted area.

The other options represent different approaches within IPM. For instance, using natural predators to suppress pests falls under biological control tactics, which involve leveraging natural enemies to manage pest populations. Altering planting dates is a cultural control strategy aimed at making conditions less favorable for pests to thrive, and applying chemical pesticides is a chemical control method, which utilizes synthetic or natural compounds to eliminate or inhibit pest activity.

Therefore, utilizing traps as a mechanical control tactic is aligned with the IPM principles of sustainability and reducing reliance on chemical controls. It illustrates the value of physical methods in effectively managing pest issues while maintaining ecological balance.