Which of the following is a preventative measure in pest management?

Regular property inspections are a fundamental preventative measure in pest management because they allow for the early detection of wood-destroying pests before they can cause significant damage. By routinely checking for signs of pest activity, such as droppings, entrance holes, or damage to the wood, property owners and pest management professionals can identify potential infestations early. This proactive approach enables the implementation of control measures before pests become established, reducing the overall risk and potentially lowering future remediation costs.

The other options do not serve as preventative measures. Reactive pest eradication focuses on addressing infestations after they have occurred and does not involve anticipating or preventing future pest issues. Destructive testing of infested wood is also a reactionary measure, used to evaluate the extent of damage, rather than preventing pests from entering or infesting a structure in the first place. Lastly, ignoring signs of pest activity completely undermines effective pest management, as it allows pests to flourish unchecked, often leading to more extensive damage and costly repairs.