What is the primary role of a larvicide in mosquito management?

The primary role of a larvicide in mosquito management is to target and kill mosquito larvae. Larvicides are specifically formulated to disrupt the development of larvae in their aquatic habitats before they can mature into adult mosquitoes, which are the ones that often pose a threat to human health by biting and potentially transmitting diseases. By effectively reducing the population of larvae, larvicides play a crucial role in breaking the life cycle of mosquitoes, leading to a decrease in the adult mosquito population over time. This proactive approach helps in managing mosquito populations more sustainably and potentially reduces the need for more aggressive adult mosquito control measures.