How do residual insecticides work to control adult mosquitoes?

Residual insecticides control adult mosquitoes primarily by remaining effective on treated surfaces. When applied to surfaces where mosquitoes rest or land, these insecticides leave a residue that can continue to kill or repel mosquitoes for an extended period. This prolonged effectiveness allows for ongoing protection against mosquito populations, as any mosquito that comes into contact with the treated surfaces after application will be susceptible to the insecticide.

In contrast, eliminating standing water is a method of mosquito control that targets breeding sites rather than adult mosquitoes themselves. Attacking the larval stage pertains to biological or chemical controls that interfere with immature mosquitoes, which does not address the adult population directly. Causing rapid environmental changes does not relate to how insecticides typically operate; rather, it refers to other pest management strategies that aim to disrupt habitats or ecosystems to control pests. Overall, the capacity of residual insecticides to act over time on surfaces where adult mosquitoes frequent is what makes them particularly effective for managing mosquito populations.