What is a primary strategy for preventing pests from being attracted to a building?

A primary strategy for preventing pests from being attracted to a building involves landscape and building design. This approach focuses on creating environments that are less hospitable to pests. Thoughtful landscaping, such as maintaining proper drainage, avoiding dense shrubbery near building foundations, and choosing plants that repel pests, can significantly reduce the likelihood of pest infestations.

Building design elements also play a crucial role in pest prevention. Ensuring that there are no openings or cracks in structures, using materials that are less appealing to pests, and implementing barriers can effectively deter unwanted visitors. For example, proper sealing around windows and doors and utilizing screens can help prevent entry for common pests.

In contrast, options such as incorporating volunteer programs or increasing the number of indoor plants do not directly address pest attraction and could potentially create more favorable conditions for pests if not managed properly. Increasing pest populations is counterproductive to pest management efforts, as it directly contradicts the goal of preventing pests from being attracted to a building.