Which would be considered a preventive pest management strategy?

• A. Releasing natural enemies to help reduce pest populations
• B. Removing from an area a pest that is a public health concern
• C. Planting weed and disease free sod
• D. Both A and C

Answer: (C)

Preventive pest management is about stopping problems before they start by using steps that reduce the chances pests will establish. Planting weed- and disease-free sod directly removes a major entry point and initial host for pests, so pests are less likely to arrive and multiply. Releasing natural enemies is a valuable tactic, but it’s typically used after pests are already present to suppress them, serving as a control measure rather than prevention. Removing a pest that is a public health concern is also a reactive action taken after detection. So the most preventive approach here is starting with clean, pest-free planting material.