Can You Kill Mosquitoes With Sound?
WouterUsing sound to kill mosquitoes has long been an area of speculation. Some entrepreneurs have sold gadgets that broadcast a range of frequencies to scare off these insects. The premise is simple.
The goal is to make you more comfortable in your home and reduce your exposure to these insects. Some companies claim that their products are nontoxic and eco-friendly.
Researchers have been testing the effectiveness of various sound-producing gadgets. Some of these devices broadcast a sound that mimics the wing beat frequency of dragonflies and other insect predators.
The research found that these sounds repel male mosquitoes. The lower the frequency of the sound, the less effective it is at repelling mosquitoes. However, there is little evidence to suggest that these solutions actually kill mosquitoes.
Another study looked at the effect of electronic music on mosquitoes. Specifically, a Skrillex song was played to starve mosquitoes. The scientists found that the song reduced mating, but the mosquitoes still flew up and around the room. The researchers suggested that this “acoustic fingerprint” of mosquitoes may be a key to developing new mosquito traps.
Some people claim that you can kill mosquitoes with sound by playing music early in the morning. You can also try anti-mosquito music at parties.
You can also use a vacuum cleaner to kill the insects. Some companies even claim that the solution is DEET free. These methods can be effective for minor infestations, but if you have a serious problem, you should consider professional help.
