What is the purpose of cleaning catch basins in vector control?

• A. It introduces nutrients to water.
• B. Cleaning catch basins removes sediment and standing water that could harbor larvae.
• C. It encourages breeding by creating more stagnant water.
• D. Catch basins release predators.

Answer: (C)

Cleaning catch basins in vector control aims to reduce mosquito breeding by removing the water, sediment, and debris that can accumulate there and serve as larval habitat. When basins are cleaned, the standing water is reduced and the material that can harbor larvae or support algal growth is removed, making the site unsuitable for mosquito development. This is why the best description is removing sediment and standing water that could harbor larvae. The idea that cleaning would introduce nutrients, create more stagnant water, or release predators doesn’t align with the goal of minimizing breeding sites.