What type of control method is often stressed for effective rodent management?

The correct answer focuses on exclusion and sanitation as the primary control methods for effective rodent management. This approach emphasizes the importance of preventing rodents from entering an environment in the first place and eliminating factors that attract them, such as food and shelter.

Exclusion involves sealing entry points and gaps to keep rodents out, while sanitation refers to maintaining cleanliness to remove food sources and nesting materials. By employing these strategies, pest managers can significantly reduce the likelihood of rodent infestations, creating a less hospitable environment for these pests.

This comprehensive approach is crucial because it addresses the root causes of rodent activity, rather than just responding to existing infestations. While baiting and trapping can play roles in managing rodent populations, relying solely on those methods without implementing exclusion and sanitation measures may lead to short-term results without solving the underlying issue. Regular poisoning, while sometimes necessary, can also pose risks to non-target animals and the environment, making prevention through exclusion and sanitation the more desirable strategy for sustainable rodent management.