In mosquito control, what are "source reduction" practices?

"Source reduction" practices in mosquito control refer to actions taken to eliminate or manage standing water, as this directly addresses the breeding habitats of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and by reducing these sources, the population of mosquitoes can be significantly lowered. This approach is often more effective and environmentally friendly compared to solely relying on chemical insecticides, as it targets the root of the problem.

In terms of the other options, increasing pesticide applications, while it may reduce mosquito populations temporarily, does not address the underlying issue of standing water. Planting more trees in urban areas does not specifically impact mosquito breeding sites, and while it can contribute to overall ecosystem health, it is not a targeted control measure for mosquitoes. Launching community awareness programs is beneficial for educating the public about mosquito control and prevention, but it does not directly eliminate the sources where mosquitoes breed. Hence, managing standing water is the most effective and direct approach to mosquito source reduction.