What environmental factor contributes to increased mosquito populations?

Standing water is a critical environmental factor that significantly contributes to increased mosquito populations. Mosquitoes require water for their breeding cycle; female mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near stagnant water sources. These include ponds, puddles, containers, and any other areas where water can collect and remain undisturbed.

When water is standing, it provides an ideal environment for mosquito larvae to develop. The presence of organic matter in standing water can also enhance the growth and survival of mosquito larvae, leading to larger adult populations when they emerge. As such, controlling standing water in the environment is a fundamental strategy in mosquito management and control efforts.

While other factors such as high temperatures can accelerate mosquito development and increase their activity, they do not directly provide the breeding sites that standing water does. Similarly, low humidity and excessive wind can serve as deterrents to adult mosquito activity but do not affect their reproductive success directly as standing water does.