What is considered the first step to effectively control a pest infestation?

Sanitation is considered the first step in effectively controlling a pest infestation because it focuses on removing the conditions that allow pests to thrive. By maintaining a clean environment, such as properly storing food, disposing of waste, and eliminating standing water, you reduce the resources available to pests. This prevents infestations from becoming established and can significantly decrease the need for more aggressive control measures, like pesticide applications.

Monitoring pest activity, although crucial, is typically part of the assessment process that occurs after sanitation. Applying pesticides and using traps are more intervention-based strategies that are often utilized only after primary preventive measures, such as sanitation, have been addressed. Therefore, while they are important components of pest control, they should follow the foundational step of ensuring a clean environment to create the least favorable conditions for pest populations to grow.