Which of the following is an element of a pest prevention program?

• A. Pesticide use
• B. Temperature control
• C. Regular surveys
• D. Pest control contracts

Answer: (C)

Regular surveys are essential because pest prevention hinges on monitoring to detect activity early and verify that controls are working. In a HACCP-based pest program, ongoing inspections and monitoring activities (such as routine facility surveys, trap checks, and sanitation checks) provide the data you need to spot signs of pests, identify entry points, and see whether exclusion and cleaning measures are effective. This proactive approach lets you trigger timely corrective actions before a minor issue becomes a food safety risk, and it supports keeping records that show the program’s performance over time.

Pesticide use, while important in pest management, is a corrective measure rather than the ongoing prevention and monitoring focus of a prevention program. Temperature control can reduce pest attraction in some areas but doesn’t by itself establish a monitoring-driven prevention plan. Pest control contracts can help provide expert services, but without regular surveys you lack the systematic observation and data needed to prevent problems in the first place.