What should be done about vegetation around food premises to reduce pest harbourage?

• A. Leave vegetation as is
• B. Plant more vegetation to attract birds
• C. Vegetation and other hiding places around the food premises are removed
• D. Increase ground cover

Answer: (C)

Reducing pest harbourage means removing places where pests can hide, nest, or breed near the building. Vegetation immediately around food premises provides good shelter for rodents and insects, helps them move unseen toward entry points, and can conceal food residue or pests themselves. By removing vegetation and other hiding places around the premises, you reduce these refuges, making pests less likely to settle nearby and making monitoring and control easier. This is why clearing vegetation and similar hiding spots around the building is the best approach. Leaving vegetation, planting more, or increasing ground cover would increase shelter and can attract pests rather than deter them.