Final answer:
True, pests should not be present in food preparation areas due to health risks and the potential for food contamination. Pesticides are commonly used for pest control, but predators and ecological diversity play an important role in naturally managing pest populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, pests do not belong in food preparation areas. The presence of pests in food prep areas poses serious health risks since they can carry and transmit diseases, lead to food contamination, and contribute to unsanitary conditions. These health risks are precisely why substantial efforts are made to control pests in agricultural and food storage areas, using methods such as chemical pesticides, fungal insecticides, and natural predators. However, pesticides can become less effective over time due to pests adapting and evolving resistance, and they can also harm non-pest species as well as human health. This is why the use of natural pest control methods and preserving the diversity of predatory species that feed on pests is important; they not only help maintain ecological balance but also reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.