One of the first steps in pest management for fabric pests would be?

• A. Applying pesticides to all fabrics
• B. Removing the source of infestation
• C. Washing textiles immediately
• D. Freezing all items

Answer: (B)

The first step in fabric pest management is to remove the source of the infestation. Fabric pests survive and reproduce by feeding on textiles, so cutting off their food and breeding ground stops the problem at its root. By identifying and removing or isolating infested items, you prevent further spread to clean textiles and make subsequent treatments that follow more effective and safer. After removing the source, you can address the remaining items with appropriate cleaning or storage steps (washing, dry-cleaning, or sealing textiles in airtight containers) and then consider any further pest control measures if needed. This prioritizes sanitation and reduces pest pressure before applying other interventions, which is why removing the source is the best initial action.