Which of the following statements best describes an effective pest management program?

• A. To eliminate pests through chemical controls only
• B. To monitor pest activity and report
• C. To rely on decorative lighting
• D. To prevent pests from contaminating food and surfaces through sanitation, exclusion, monitoring, and control

Answer: (C)

An effective pest management program in a food facility is proactive and integrated, focusing on preventing pests from contaminating food and contact surfaces. It combines sanitation to remove food sources, exclusion to block entry points, monitoring to detect activity early, and control measures to reduce any pests that are found. This holistic approach addresses both the conditions that attract pests and the actual presence of pests, aligning with food safety goals and regulatory expectations.

Relying on chemical controls alone misses the prevention and entry-point protections, and can lead to resistance or residue concerns. Monitoring without follow-up actions doesn’t reduce pest pressure. Decorative lighting, on the other hand, isn’t a pest management strategy and doesn’t help prevent contamination or pest problems.

So, the best description is the integrated approach that uses sanitation, exclusion, monitoring, and control to prevent pests from contaminating food and surfaces.