Final answer:
The initial step in a pest management program for fabric pests is to identify the type of pest, setting the foundation for subsequent control strategies which prioritize sustainable and targeted methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the first steps in a pest management program for fabric pests would be identifying the type of fabric pest. This step is crucial as it determines the appropriate pest control strategies, which may include the use of pest-resistant cultivars, non-chemical pest control methods such as using lamps and poplar twigs to trap and kill adults, or targeting the application of pesticides to minimize the impact on beneficial organisms and the environment. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices emphasize the importance of understanding the pest for more effective and sustainable control measures.