NEHA Housing Sanitation & Safety Practice Exam 2026 - Free Health & Safety Practice Questions and Study Guide

Pest control is essential to housing sanitation primarily because pests can carry diseases and cause allergies. Various pests, such as rodents, cockroaches, and insects, are vectors for harmful pathogens that can lead to serious health issues for residents. For example, rodents can transmit diseases like hantavirus and leptospirosis, while cockroaches are known to trigger asthma and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Ensuring that a living environment is free from these pests helps safeguard the health and well-being of the occupants.

The other points are less relevant to the importance of pest control in sanitation. Pests typically do not enhance structural integrity; instead, they can cause damage by gnawing on materials such as wood and insulation. While some organic waste from pests can contribute to soil health, this is not applicable in the context of housing sanitation as it pertains to the interior living environment. Finally, pest presence usually deteriorates indoor air quality rather than improving it, as droppings and decomposing bodies can release allergens and contribute to an unhygienic atmosphere.