Unique mosquito trap has world market potential
Queensland scientists are developing the world’s first biodegradable trap for the mosquito species that carry deadly dengue fever viruses.
Dengue is found throughout the tropical and sub-tropical world, including northern Queensland. Its spread in the last 50 years has exposed 2.5 to three billion people to the virus.
There’s no vaccine and little hope of one for at least five years. So controlling the spread of the mosquitos is presently the most effective way to combat the fever.
That’s why scientists from James Cook University, the University of Queensland and Queensland Health joined forces with Plantic Technologies to develop an ingenious, biodegradable bucket trap. It’s made from a starch-derived plastic which dissolves in water.
The mosquitos carrying the virus breed in stagnant water. The trap contains water, a bait and insecticide, which kills the mosquito larvae when they hatch.
“There’s no need to refill the buckets and no need to collect them, because they break down in a month,” project leader Associate Professor Peter Halley of the University of Queensland said.
“We believe these traps will be safer and cheaper than current control methods.”
The project is being funded by a $243 000 Federal Government Biotechnology Innovation Grant.
