Which components form a Pest Control Program and why is IPM preferred?

• A. Marketing campaigns
• B. Inventory tracking
• C. Sanitation, exclusion, monitoring, traps, and limited pesticide use
• D. Employee training only

Answer: (C)

A Pest Control Program is built on prevention and careful intervention. Sanitation removes food sources and harborage that attract pests; exclusion blocks entry by sealing gaps and openings; monitoring involves regular inspections to detect problems early; traps provide a non-chemical control method and help track pest activity; and pesticides are used only when necessary and in a targeted, limited way to minimize residues and resistance. IPM is preferred because it combines these strategies, prioritizes prevention, reduces reliance on chemicals, lowers risks to food safety and workers, and tends to be more sustainable and cost-effective. Other options like marketing campaigns, inventory tracking, or training alone don’t address pest control directly and don’t prevent or reduce infestations.