What are the two main reasons for managing mosquito populations?

Managing mosquito populations primarily addresses two significant concerns: nuisance and disease. When mosquitoes are prevalent, they can create considerable discomfort for individuals engaged in outdoor activities, which categorizes them as a nuisance pest. This annoyance drives many people indoors and can impact community enjoyment of parks, lakes, and other recreational areas.

More critically, mosquitoes are vectors of various infectious diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and malaria. The potential for mosquitoes to transmit these diseases poses serious public health risks, making disease prevention a paramount reason for their management. By controlling mosquito populations, not only is the nuisance factor reduced, but the incidence of mosquito-borne illnesses can also be significantly lowered, leading to improved community health outcomes.

In contrast, while the other options mention relevant aspects—like environmental impact, economic considerations, and ecological balance—it's the combination of nuisance and disease that stands out as the primary motivation for actively managing mosquito populations.