Which method of pest control involves removing potential food sources?

Sanitation is a critical method of pest control that focuses on removing potential food sources, breeding grounds, and shelter for pests. By keeping environments clean and free from debris, waste, and unsealed food items, the likelihood of pest infestations can be significantly reduced. This proactive approach not only disrupts the pests' food supply but also enhances the overall hygiene of the environment, making it less hospitable for pests to thrive.

In pest management, sanitation measures include regular cleaning, proper waste disposal, and ensuring that food is stored in airtight containers. By effectively managing sanitation, operators can prevent pests like rodents, cockroaches, and flies from being attracted to an area, thus diminishing the need for more aggressive control measures later.

While other methods like biological control involve using natural predators or parasites, physical control focuses on physical barriers or traps, and chemical control uses pesticides to eliminate pests, sanitation remains a fundamental practice that is often the first line of defense in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.