Which statement best describes source reduction in mosquito control?

• A. It relies on spraying insecticides to kill adults.
• B. It requires stocking predatory fish for larvae control.
• C. It eliminates breeding sites by physical alteration or water management and does not require insecticides.
• D. It focuses on genetic modification of mosquitoes.

Answer: (C)

Source reduction means removing or altering the places where mosquitoes lay eggs so fewer larvae can develop. It’s a preventive approach that doesn’t rely on chemicals. By draining or filling standing water, improving drainage, removing containers that collect water, and generally managing water around homes and property, you eliminate the breeding sites themselves. Because the life cycle is interrupted before mosquitoes hatch, you don’t need insecticides for this method.

Spraying insecticides targets adults (and sometimes larvae) after they’re already present, which treats the problem rather than preventing it. Stocking predatory fish is a biological control tactic that reduces larvae numbers but doesn’t remove the breeding habitat itself. Genetic modification of mosquitoes changes the mosquitoes rather than addressing where they breed. Therefore, the description that best fits source reduction is eliminating breeding sites through physical alteration or water management and not requiring insecticides.