What role does sanitation play in pest management?

Sanitation plays a critical role in pest management by reducing attractants and hiding places for pests. Maintaining a clean environment minimizes the food sources and breeding sites available for pests, which can significantly lower pest populations. By eliminating spills, crumbs, and debris, as well as ensuring proper waste disposal, the likelihood of infestations decreases. This preventive approach is fundamental to integrated pest management strategies, as it targets the underlying conditions that support pest presence.

Additionally, while sanitation can indirectly support a regular pest control schedule and enhance the effectiveness of pesticide applications by ensuring that treated areas remain clean, its primary function is to create an environment less conducive to pest activity. Therefore, focusing on sanitation is essential for long-term pest prevention and management.