Mosquito Killers Could Soon Hit the Market
New Products Aim to Eliminate Disease-Carrying Pests
Problem for public health and environment
Mosquitoes are a major public health threat, transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. They are also a nuisance, causing itchy bites and disrupting outdoor activities.Two new mosquito killers are currently in development and could be on the market as soon as 2017. One product, developed by the University of California, Riverside, uses a genetically modified bacteria to kill mosquito larvae. The other product, developed by the University of Florida, uses a chemical lure to attract mosquitoes and then kill them with a pesticide.
Both products have shown promising results in early testing. The University of California, Riverside, product has been shown to kill up to 95% of mosquito larvae in laboratory tests. The University of Florida product has been shown to kill up to 99% of mosquitoes in field tests.
If these products are successful, they could have a major impact on public health. They could help to reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases and make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Protecting yourself from mosquitoes
Until these new products are available, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from mosquitoes. These include:- Using insect repellents with EPA-registered active ingredients.
- Wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
- Avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present, such as standing water.
- Using mosquito nets when sleeping.
By taking these precautions, you can help to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and contracting a mosquito-borne disease.
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