Which of the following best describes 'sanitation' in IPM?

Sanitation in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) refers to the practices that maintain a clean environment, which helps minimize the conditions that allow pests to breed and thrive. Keeping areas free of debris, food scraps, and stagnant water can significantly reduce the availability of habitats and resources for pests. This proactive approach to pest management is essential, as it targets the root causes of infestations rather than responding to them reactively. By emphasizing cleanliness, sanitation directly decreases pest populations and prevents potential outbreaks, making it a fundamental component of effective IPM strategies.