What type of pest control does a snap trap represent?

A snap trap represents mechanical pest control because it relies on a physical device designed to capture or kill pests through mechanical means. This type of control involves using tools or equipment to directly eliminate pests without the application of chemicals or biological agents. Snap traps are commonly used for rodents, where a spring mechanism quickly and effectively traps the animal when it takes the bait, thereby ensuring an immediate result.

In the context of pest management, mechanical control methods are often seen as a more environmentally friendly approach since they do not involve the use of toxic substances, making them suitable for use in various settings, including residential areas. This distinguishes mechanical pest control from other methods such as chemical pest control, which uses pesticides, biological pest control, which employs other living organisms to manage pests, and cultural pest control, which focuses on altering agricultural practices to reduce pest establishment and reproduction.