How can pests enter Navy ships?

Pests can enter Navy ships primarily through cargo, provisions, and personnel. This entry method is significant because ships often transport various goods and supplies, which can inadvertently carry pests. Cargo and provisions may contain hidden infestations that can establish themselves onboard. Additionally, personnel can unknowingly introduce pests as they come aboard from different locations, potentially bringing insects or rodents with them in clothing or baggage.

While water can facilitate the movement of some organisms, it is not a common entry point for pests in the context of ship sanitation. The idea that pests could only come from neighboring ships also limits the understanding of how infestations can spread; many pests are not reliant on direct contact with another vessel. Natural weather patterns may influence the prevalence of certain pests but do not directly facilitate their entry into the controlled environment of a Navy ship. Thus, the most comprehensive answer regarding how pests enter Navy vessels is through cargo, provisions, and personnel.