Sealing cracks and crevices and small openings in buildings is an example of which type of mechanical control method?

Sealing cracks and crevices and small openings in buildings is a prime example of exclusion as a mechanical control method. Exclusion focuses on preventing pests from entering a space by blocking their access points. By sealing these openings, the likelihood of pests infiltrating the building is significantly reduced. This method is a proactive approach, as it aims to eliminate potential entryways for pests before they have a chance to establish themselves in that environment.

Other options relate to different pest management strategies; for instance, sanitation involves maintaining cleanliness to deny pests food, water, and shelter. Trapping is a method that physically captures pests, while monitoring pertains to the observation and identification of pest populations to inform control decisions. While all of these methods play important roles in integrated pest management, sealing openings specifically falls under the exclusion category.