Apart from mosquito nets, there is another piece of equipment that can be used to effectively repel mosquitoes. The mosquito magnet, a tool that typically occupies more than an acre, uses a scent that attracts mosquitoes. Once mosquitoes get near the piece of equipment, it zaps and dehydrates them. The amazing thing about mosquito magnets is that they do not use insecticides. What they merely do is to produce a simulated gush of air that lures mosquitoes to come near it. The process is done in a quiet manner, without the regular popping and zapping sounds that regular electric mosquito repellants do. Because of its capability to keep a large piece of land mosquito-free, the piece of equipment is being seen as an effective way to prevent malaria. Today, a biophysics company is planning to integrate mosquito magnets with a wireless network. The idea is to electronically control a network of mosquito magnets to protect even larger areas from mosquitoes. Public and private sectors are being seen as primary users of the product. Some examples of the places where the product can be used are golf courses, educational institutions, and beach resorts. However, a current disadvantage of mosquito magnets is that they use propane, an ozone-depleting substance. The harmful element is used to produce the scent that attracts mosquitoes. Propane generates carbon dioxide, an element that is used by mosquitoes as a signal that food is nearby. Scientists are arguing that, while the device may pose an environmental risk, the benefits are still better and more considerable. In addition, there are also on-going studies to replace propane with biofuel. Biofuel is capable of producing carbon neutral substances. This idea is an attractive alternative for propane tanks that are being used by commercial mosquito magnets. Mosquito magnets are indeed useful to safeguard people against harmful mosquito bites. However, they are not to be treated as a replacement for mosquito nets. Mosquito nets are still useful in households where the involved area is relatively small. |
