Which environmental factor is likely to reduce mosquito populations?

Drier climates are likely to reduce mosquito populations primarily because mosquitoes require standing water for their reproduction. Most mosquito species lay their eggs in stagnant water, such as ponds, puddles, or other water bodies. When the climate is drier, there is less standing water available for mosquitoes to breed in, which limits their lifecycle and reduces overall populations.

Additionally, certain species of mosquitoes are adapted to thrive in wet, humid environments, so a reduction in moisture can hinder their ability to not only reproduce, but also to survive in the ecosystem. In contrast, increased humidity and abundant rainfall typically create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding by providing abundant water sources. Warm temperatures generally increase mosquito activity and reproduction rates, allowing populations to flourish. Hence, a drier climate stands out as the environmental factor that would most effectively mitigate mosquito populations.