Which of the following is an essential prevention method in mosquito control?

Eliminating standing water sources is a fundamental prevention method in mosquito control because mosquitoes require stagnant water to breed. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near standing water, where the larvae can thrive. This makes controlling the breeding habitat essential in reducing the mosquito population. By removing standing water from places like flower pots, gutters, buckets, and ponds that are not flowing, you effectively disrupt their lifecycle and prevent new mosquitoes from emerging.

Promoting the use of insect-repellent clothing and encouraging outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours may help reduce individual exposure but do not address the source of the problem. Increasing water levels in ponds would likely exacerbate the situation by creating more breeding sites for mosquitoes. Therefore, focusing on eliminating standing water is the most effective preventive approach to control mosquito populations.