What is the primary purpose of fumigation?

The primary purpose of fumigation is to control pests and insects using gas or vapor. Fumigation involves the application of gas or vapor to an enclosed area to eliminate harmful organisms, such as insects, rodents, and other pests, that may compromise the safety or integrity of the goods being treated. This method effectively penetrates all areas of the target space, ensuring that pests hidden in crevices or materials are also addressed.

The other choices, while related to pest management or agricultural practices, do not accurately represent the core function of fumigation. For instance, eliminating food sources for pests typically involves physical or mechanical methods rather than gas treatment. Preventing crops from disease is generally associated with biological or chemical disease control measures rather than fumigation, which targets existing pest infestations. Enhancing soil fertility pertains to agricultural practices aimed at improving nutrient content and structure of soil, which is not the realm of fumigation's intended use.