What is a primary focus of a rodent control program's second step?

In a rodent control program, the second step often emphasizes the use of rodenticides, which are chemical agents specifically designed to kill rodents. This choice highlights the significance of direct intervention in reducing rodent populations after initial steps, such as assessments, have identified the problem's extent and the species involved.

Implementing rodenticides allows for targeted action against infestations that may not be adequately controlled through prevention methods alone. This is particularly important in situations where there is a significant rodent presence, rendering immediate action necessary to protect health and property.

While the other options—such as sanitation practices, cultural control methods, and sealing entry points—are crucial components of a comprehensive rodent management strategy, they are typically considered foundational steps that precede the use of rodenticides. Sanitation practices help limit food availability, cultural control methods aim to alter the environment to make it less hospitable to rodents, and sealing entry points is essential for preventing future infestations. However, these strategies are often deployed before or alongside the application of rodenticides, thus making rodenticides a focal point in the management process once an infestation is confirmed.