What process aims to prevent the entry of pests into pest-free areas?

The process that aims to prevent the entry of pests into pest-free areas is quarantine. Quarantine involves the restriction of movement of plants, animals, and products that may harbor pests or diseases. By establishing quarantine measures, authorities can monitor and control the movement of potentially infested materials, helping to protect areas that are free from pests from being invaded. This is critical in agricultural practices where pest management is vital for the health of crops and livestock. Quarantine not only involves physical barriers but also compliance checks and inspections, ensuring that no harmful organisms are unintentionally transported into protected areas.

In contrast, eradication refers to the complete removal of pests from a specific area, while fumigation is a treatment method used to eliminate pests in particular environments. Isolation, though it refers to separating infested individuals from healthy ones, is not specifically targeted at preventing entry into pest-free areas like quarantine is.