What is the primary method for controlling mosquito populations?

The primary method for controlling mosquito populations involves source reduction and larviciding. Source reduction refers to the systematic elimination of breeding sites, which is critical since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. By removing potential breeding sites—such as stagnant water in containers, clogged gutters, and any unnecessary water accumulation—populations can be significantly reduced. This method works proactively, preventing mosquitoes from maturing and reproducing.

Larviciding complements source reduction by targeting mosquitoes in their larval stage. By applying larvicides to bodies of water that cannot be drained, you can effectively kill mosquito larvae before they develop into adults, further reducing the population.

While pesticide spraying and fogging can provide temporary relief by killing adult mosquitoes, they do not address the underlying issue of breeding habitats and can also have environmental impacts. Eliminating standing water is important, but it may not fully encompass other sources of potential breeding. Planting mosquito-repellent herbs can offer a minor deterrent, but it does not tackle the root of the problem as effectively as the combination of source reduction and larviciding.