What is the effect of larviciding on adult mosquito populations?

Larviciding is a method used in mosquito control that targets the larval stage of mosquitoes before they become adults. The main principle behind larviciding is that by effectively eliminating or controlling the larvae in water, it directly prevents those larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes. This approach significantly reduces the overall number of adult mosquitoes that can emerge from treated sites because the larvae are unable to complete their life cycle.

When larvae are killed or their development is disrupted, it leads to a decrease in the population of adult mosquitoes, as those individuals won't reach maturity, mate, and contribute to the next generation. This is why the choice indicating that larviciding reduces the number of adults is accurate. The effectiveness of larviciding directly correlates with the reduction in the adult mosquito population, which is a primary goal of integrated pest management strategies aimed at controlling and reducing mosquito-borne diseases.