To purge mosquitoes from the air, scientists have developed a new spray that disrupts the insect’s ability to repel water and makes flight impossible.
Chances are high that you have already tried to put down a mosquito or even a flying cockroach with an aerosol spray, filled with insecticide. Sometimes, the mosquito may get wet and keep flying, all this time wait for the right moment to sting an “innocent” human being.. Looking for truly effective ways to get rid of insects, the personal health products research laboratory of Kao Corporation in Japan appears to have come up with an unusual solution.
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Without using any type of insecticide, such as pyrethroid, the new Japanese aerosol spray manages to kill mosquitoes during flight. Inspired by the development of soaps and shampoos, the aqueous solution with surfactant is able to wet the body and wings of the insect, ensuring its fall and even death. Tests with the product were described in an article published in the magazine Scientific reports.
How does the spray that repels mosquitoes from the air work?
The surface of the mosquito’s body, including the wings, is covered with very fine grooves and covered with a wax-like hydrophobic substance. In other words, this material has the function of repelling water. Therefore, insects can fly even on rainy days, depending on the intensity of precipitation.
Since 2020, studying the matter, the team of researchers has advanced the hypothesis that wetting the body and wings of mosquitoes could alter their flight ability. From this concept came the idea of ​​using a spray with surfactant and water to wet and finally knock out the insects.
To understand, the surfactant decreases surface surface tension, disrupts the insect’s body’s ability to repel water, and as a result allows them to get wet. This in turn cuts off the ability to fly, making it easier to catch.
Below, see a demonstration, in English, which compares the effects of using common repellents (first block of the video) and the new aqueous spray with surfactant (second block):
Another point assessed by the researchers is the fact that the spray is also capable of obstructing the holes (spiracles) present on the surface of the insect’s body, which are used during respiration. Thus, the literally “knock and kill” solution.
Innovative spray fights dengue?
The new spray has been validated in experiments with the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Uncommon in Brazil, it is considered another potential transmitter of chikungunya, zika, dengue and yellow fever viruses. Also, he is a relative of the aedes aegyptithe popular dengue mosquito.
Although the Japanese research laboratory tests were not carried out with the “Brazilian” mosquito, there is a high probability that the solution will be effective against this other well-known vector in Brazil. With the arrival of the spray on the international market, more tests need to be done.
The interesting thing is that this is not the only solution against mosquitoes. Recently, researchers at the University of North Carolina in the United States have announced the creation of a repellent fabric which avoids uncomfortable stings. If the person prefers simpler solutions, science has also discovered that some colors, present in clothes, can naturally repel mosquitoes.
Source: kao AND Scientific reports
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
