What does it mean to deny pests food, water, and shelter?

Denying pests food, water, and shelter is a fundamental principle in pest management. Keeping food sealed and stored properly directly addresses the food aspect, ensuring that pests do not have access to potential food sources. This includes storing dry goods in airtight containers, refrigerating perishables, and promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs.

By maintaining cleanliness and proper storage, you minimize the attraction and resources available to pests, thereby disrupting their lifecycle and preventing infestations. This proactive approach is critical in a culinary environment where food safety and hygiene are paramount. The focus is on creating an environment that is inhospitable to pests, which is a more sustainable and effective long-term strategy than reliance on chemicals or simply removing pests once they are present.