Which aspect is essential for effective rodent control in urban settings?

Effective rodent control in urban settings hinges on reducing available food and shelter. Rodents, such as rats and mice, thrive in environments where they can easily access food sources, nesting sites, and cover. By minimizing these resources, pest control efforts can effectively deter rodent populations.

Managing food involves ensuring that waste is disposed of properly, that food is stored in rodent-proof containers, and that animal feeding is controlled. Similarly, addressing shelter requires eliminating clutter, closing off entry points in buildings, and maintaining the surrounding environment to make it less hospitable for rodents.

These proactive measures disrupt the rodent's basic survival needs, leading to a decrease in their population over time, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of pest control strategies in urban areas. In contrast, constructing buildings, using poisoned bait stations, or managing vegetation, while potentially part of broader pest management strategies, do not directly address the core issues of food and shelter availability that are essential for rodent control.