How Can Mosquitoes Be Eradiced?
WouterAmong the deadliest animals to humans, mosquitoes transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya, West Nile virus and Zika. Each year, mosquito-borne illnesses kill over a million people worldwide.
In some parts of the world, mosquitoes are an important source of food. In some areas, human populations are moving into prime mosquito habitats. In these areas, the mosquitoes may not be able to survive.
Mosquitoes can be bred in shallow pools of stagnant water. These pools can be found in tree stumps, barrels, and tires.
Genetically modified mosquitoes can be released in these habitats. These mosquitoes carry a gene that causes them to become sterile. The males can then be killed with radiation. Eventually, this will make the population sterile. This approach is more environmentally friendly than insecticides. However, it is expensive and will not be effective in large areas.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of the species that carry Zika, West Nile, and yellow fever. The Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito is also believed to carry Zika. The disease has been linked to a spike in microcephaly in Brazil.
The mosquitoes’ ability to carry disease means that it is important to find a way to eradicate them. Scientists are developing targeted solutions. Some are working on hi-tech alternatives.
Other techniques involve eliminating standing water, which is a common breeding ground for mosquitoes. In tropical countries, the rain creates shallow pools of stagnant water. This strategy has worked in Europe and the Middle East.
