A novel tool to help combat Aedes mosquitoes that transmit
Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever and Zika virus.

Environmentally Friendly

Robust design that does not need a power source.

Novel

Multi-impact tool with new bioactives – using mosquitoes to kill their own offspring.

Effective

Lab and field data show that our trap can effectively control Aedes mosquitoes.

EXPLOITING MOSQUITO BEHAVIOR

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes originate from Africa, but have spread worldwide rapidly and can transmit Dengue, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya and Zika virus to humans. They are attracted to small container-like breeding sites and have a unique egg-laying behavior; distributing their eggs over several breeding sites to minimize risks for their offspring.

Our mosquito trap exploits this behavior by contaminating the female mosquito body and using her to spread larvicide to multiple breeding sites around the Trap. With this “auto-dissemination” method the Trap can kill virtually all mosquito larvae in its surroundings before these become biting adults.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Our mosquito trap is made of durable plastic and uses water with an odor lure to attract egg-laying Aedes mosquitoes. Once inside, mosquitoes contact the specially treated gauze near the water surface and get contaminated with a larvicide and a fungus. We exploit the fact that Aedes like to divide their eggs over multiple sites; by letting them fly out of the Trap while carrying larvicide on their legs. They transport the larvicide and contaminate several breeding sites around the Trap. In this way, we can kill larvae in small and hard to find breeding sources. The mosquito also gets infected with an insect-specific fungus that can block Dengue virus replication and kills her before she can spread disease.

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SOLUTION

  • Insecticide resistance has become a major problem in countries infested by Aedes mosquitoes.

  • Area-wide insecticide fogging is still being used but is showing limited efficacy.

  • This necessitates a switch to more sustainable, environmentally friendly vector control.

  • It deploys an US-EPA-approved fungus that kills the mosquito several days after infection and can prevent the insect from transmitting disease by blocking Dengue virus replication.

  • Field tests show no risk for non-target organisms like fish or mammals.

  • Our traps offer an effective mosquito control option without drastic use of chemicals in the environment.

  • Must be replaced by a pest management professional every 30 days.

A MULTI-IMPACT TOOL

  • Kills all larvae inside the trap

  • Kills larvae in surrounding breeding sites

  • Kills exposed mosquitoes

  • Greatly reduces biting mosquitoes