What type of spraying was conducted from 1945 to 1949 during the mosquito control efforts?

The option that accurately reflects the mosquito control efforts conducted from 1945 to 1949 is residual home spraying. During this period, public health authorities focused on controlling mosquito populations that were responsible for transmitting diseases such as malaria, particularly through the use of DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane). Residual spraying involves applying a pesticide to surfaces where mosquitoes are likely to rest, allowing for a longer-lasting effect as the chemical remains active for an extended period. This method effectively reduces mosquito populations inside homes and surrounding areas.

Aerial spraying, while also a common method of mosquito control, primarily gained prominence later and involves dispensing insecticides over large areas from the air. Fogging is another technique typically used for immediate knockdown of adult mosquitoes in specific areas, but it was not a predominant method in that time frame. Thermal spraying generally refers to the method of applying pesticides in a vaporized form using heat, which was less common during the post-war era. Thus, focusing on residual spraying during that historical context correctly highlights the approach taken in public health efforts to control mosquito-borne diseases.