What role does sanitation play in pest control?

Sanitation plays a crucial role in pest control by helping to reduce pest populations through the removal of food sources. Many pests, such as rodents, cockroaches, and ants, are attracted to areas where food is readily available. By maintaining strict sanitation practices—such as proper waste disposal, cleaning up spills promptly, and ensuring that food is stored in airtight containers—properties can limit the resources available to these pests, thereby decreasing their populations.

Good sanitation disrupts the life cycle of pests by minimizing their access to nourishment and breeding environments. This proactive approach can significantly prevent infestations from occurring in the first place. While effective sanitation does not guarantee the permanent elimination of pests, it is a foundational part of any successful integrated pest management strategy.