Name one key method for controlling mosquito populations.

Source reduction is a critical method for controlling mosquito populations because it involves identifying and eliminating breeding sites where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Mosquitoes typically breed in stagnant or standing water, so by reducing or removing these water sources, such as old tires, clogged gutters, or containers that collect rainwater, the potential for mosquitoes to reproduce decreases significantly. This reduces not only the overall population of mosquitoes but also the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, as it interrupts their life cycle.

Public awareness campaigns can help inform communities about prevention, but they do not directly reduce mosquito numbers. Increased fertilizer use is unrelated to mosquito control and can lead to environmental issues, such as water pollution. Aerial spraying is a method used to control adult mosquito populations but does not address the root cause of breeding, which makes source reduction a more sustainable and effective long-term strategy.