Which strategy would best prevent the infestation of a new area by pests?

Choosing prevention as the best strategy to prevent pest infestations aligns with the fundamental principles of pest management. Prevention focuses on minimizing the risk of pest establishment in a new area by addressing potential vulnerabilities before any infestations occur.

Implementing preventative measures includes practices such as maintaining healthy soil, selecting pest-resistant plant varieties, and ensuring proper irrigation and cultivation methods. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of pests finding suitable habitats and food sources, thereby significantly lowering the chances of them becoming established.

In contrast, eradication refers to eliminating a current infestation, which is a reactive strategy rather than a proactive one. Control typically implies managing an established pest population through various means but does not necessarily prevent pests from initially entering an area. Population management, while it can include some preventive elements, mainly focuses on handling existing populations rather than preventing new infestations. Therefore, prevention is distinctly the most effective strategy for avoiding pest problems right from the outset.