Which method is typically used to detect mosquito larvae in breeding sites?

Visual inspection is an effective method for detecting mosquito larvae in breeding sites because it allows for a comprehensive examination of stagnant water bodies where mosquitoes typically lay their eggs. During visual inspection, trained personnel look for signs of mosquito larvae, which are small, swimming creatures that can often be seen with the naked eye. This method enables the inspector to identify various water sources that may need control measures based on the presence of larvae.

While water sampling can also be a useful technique, it often requires additional equipment and analysis that may not be necessary in many field situations. Pesticides, on the other hand, are used for control rather than detection, and heat detection technology is primarily used in other contexts, such as identifying animal body temperature rather than aquatic organisms like mosquito larvae. Therefore, visual inspection stands out as the most direct and practical approach for identifying mosquito larvae in their breeding sites.