Which habitat modification can help in preventing badger infestations?

Controlling the rodent population is key in preventing badger infestations because badgers primarily feed on small mammals, particularly rodents. When the rodent population is high, it attracts badgers to the area as they follow their food sources. By implementing measures to manage and reduce the rodent numbers, you effectively tackle one of the major factors that can lead to a badger occupation.

Lowering the availability of food will make the habitat less attractive for badgers, thereby reducing the likelihood of them moving into the area. This approach is based on the ecological understanding of predator-prey relationships; when prey is scarce, predators are less inclined to inhabit that area, directly diminishing the chances of badger infestations.

While the other options focus on physical barriers, vegetation growth, or promoting natural predators, they do not specifically address the primary dietary need of badgers as effectively as controlling the rodent population does.