Which approach is used for exclusion in pest management?

Sealing cracks and crevices is essential for exclusion in pest management because this approach focuses on preventing pests from entering a building or area in the first place. By effectively sealing gaps, holes, and openings found in walls, windows, doors, and other entry points, you create a physical barrier that limits access for various pests, including insects and rodents. This proactive method is fundamental in an integrated pest management strategy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a structure's integrity to reduce the likelihood of infestations.

The other approaches, while beneficial for pest control or management, do not specifically target exclusion in the same way. Traps are used to capture and reduce existing pest populations rather than prevent entry. Applying pesticides around the perimeter may create a barrier against pests, but it doesn’t physically prevent them from getting in. Clearing vegetation can help minimize pest habitats nearby, but it does not directly seal access points that pests may use to enter a space. Thus, sealing cracks and crevices is the most appropriate answer for exclusion in pest management strategies.