|ORRIBILU: Winning The War Against Mosquitoes (NAPSA)—Knowledgeis power, especially when it comes to defeating mosquitoes, insects described as the most dangerous animals in the world. There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world—more than 150 in the U.S. alone—with each category of mosquito spreading various diseases. Every year, more than a million people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases, such as the West Nile virus, malaria, heart- worm, dengue fever, encephalitis andyellow fever. Male mosquitoes do not bite animals or humans: they feed only on plant juices. Females however need the protein that animal and human blood provides to produce their eggs—and a well-nourished female mosquito can produce between 1,000 and 3,000 eggs dur- ing her shortlifetime. Exhaled carbon dioxide from up to 100 to 150 feet away is what first attracts the female mosquito to her prey. Scientists have used this fact of mosquito biology and behavior to develop technology to defeat them. For example, scientists at American Biophysics Corporation have been studying the biology and behavior of blood-seeking insects for nearly a decade. In cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.), state departments of environmental management and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, they developed a biting insect trap that mimics a large mammal. The Mosquito Magnet” Liberty converts propane gas to carbon dioxide, heat and moisture. The insects are attracted to the carbon dioxide and vacuumed into the trap’s disposable net where they The buzz on battling mosquitoes: knowing more about their biology may help wipe them out. dehydrate and die. Since no chemi- cals are used, the insects never develop immunity. Nor are insect parts spread into the air, as is possible with electric bug zappers. “To create the most effective trap, we had to end the femalelifecycle—eliminate the eggs, eliminate the insects,” said Raymond Jannetta, president of American Biophysics. Used continuously in a typical yard, the trap can net an average of 1,000 female mosquitoes per day, effectively collapsing the female insect biting population in six to eight weeks. The trap also captures no-see-ums, black flies and sand flies. Models range from deluxe to affordable versions for the average homeowner. “Our team of engineersandscientists were able to develop a trap that makes our proven innovative technology affordable to everyone, from first-time homeowners to retirees,” said Iannetta. For more information, visit www.mosquitomagnet.com.
