In the context of pest management, what does the term "sanitation" refer to?

Sanitation in pest management refers to maintaining cleanliness in food preparation and storage areas to deter pests from being attracted to the environment. This involves regular cleaning routines, proper waste management, and ensuring that food is stored correctly to minimize opportunities for pests to thrive. Good sanitation practices include keeping surfaces clean, eliminating food particles, and managing spills immediately, as these actions significantly reduce the likelihood of a pest infestation.

While using chemicals to eliminate pests is an important aspect of pest control, it should not be the first line of defense. Monitoring pest populations is key for understanding pest activity and implementing control measures, whereas training employees regarding pest management is essential for maintaining overall awareness and compliance with sanitation standards. However, without a strong foundation of proper sanitation, even the best monitoring and training efforts may fall short in preventing pest issues.