What is the purpose of exclusion in pest management?

The purpose of exclusion in pest management is to physically prevent pests from entering a facility. This strategy is fundamental in integrated pest management (IPM) as it involves sealing off entry points such as gaps in doors, windows, pipes, and other structural vulnerabilities that pests might exploit. By doing so, a facility can greatly reduce the likelihood of infestations, minimizing the need for chemical treatments and other reactive measures.

Effective exclusion not only protects the integrity of structures but also promotes a healthier environment by lowering the potential for pest-related diseases and damage. It is a proactive approach that focuses on creating a barrier to pest infiltration, thus serving as a crucial first line of defense in pest management strategies. Other methods, like monitoring activity or chemical control, may be necessary at different stages, but exclusion remains key in preventing pest problems from arising in the first place.