Which of the following is an example of applied controls?

Using traps to catch mice is indeed an example of applied controls because it directly involves the implementation of a specific strategy to manage a pest problem. Applied controls refer to practical measures that are executed in the field to reduce or eliminate pest populations and their associated damage. In this case, traps effectively capture mice, which is an immediate and tangible method of pest control.

This approach aligns well with the concept of applied controls because it focuses on a direct interaction with the pest species. It provides an instant solution to mitigating the issue rather than focusing on preemptive or broader ecological strategies. The use of traps represents a hands-on technique where the effectiveness can be immediately observed – if traps are functioning, then the population of the targeted pest is being controlled.

The other options, while relevant to pest management or ecology, do not exemplify applied controls in the same straightforward manner. Designing natural habitats and planting native species are more about creating a conducive environment for beneficial organisms or practices that may promote long-term ecological balance rather than immediate control. Employing natural chemical repellents might help deter pests, but it does not involve the direct capture or removal of the pests from a specific area. Thus, among the options presented, trapping represents the clearest form of applied control.