Provide two habitat modification practices that reduce mosquito breeding sites in urban environments.

• A. Eliminate standing water in containers and clogged drains; improve drainage and remove trash or debris that collects water
• B. Planting trees
• C. Increasing pesticide frequency
• D. Creating decorative water features

Answer: (A)

Reducing mosquito breeding in urban areas hinges on removing standing water that serves as larval habitat. Two practical habitat modification actions are: eliminating standing water in containers and clogged drains; and improving drainage while removing debris that collects water. By turning over or discarding water-holding items (emptying planters, buckets, cans, tires) and keeping gutters and drains clear, you prevent eggs from hatching and disrupt the mosquito life cycle at its source. Clearing trash and debris that can trap rainwater—like litter in streets and yards, clogged storm drains, and stagnant water in neglected sites—further eliminates microhabitats where larvae could develop. Planting trees or decorative water features don’t directly address standing water and can even create new breeding sites if water is allowed to pool or stagnate; increasing pesticide frequency targets adults and doesn’t stop new larvae from forming.