Birth Control for Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a really big problem.
Not only are they annoying when they buzz around, but they bite you leaving you irritated and sore. They are also the worlds most deadly creature! Yes! They are responsible for the transmission of diseases, some of which are deadly to human beings. The ongoing problem is that the mosquito population is consistently growing, so what can be done to stop these critters from breeding. It may sound absurd, but what if there was some form of birth control for mosquitoes?
Well… there just might be!
Researchers have made a discovery, that could lead to a form of mosquito birth control. Here’s an article with more information.
Can Mosquito ‘Birth Control’ Fight Disease?
A protein in mosquitos that is critical to the process of producing viable eggs could pave the way for “mosquito birth control,” researchers report. When researchers selectively blocked the activity of the protein—which they named Eggshell Organizing Factor 1, or EOF-1—in female mosquitoes, the mosquitos laid eggs with defective egg shells, leading to the death of the embryos inside.
Of course, with any form of mosquito control, the concern surrounds any harm that could come to other organisms. Which is why here at Backyard Bug Patrol we can assure you that our mosquito spray products are extremely safe. With mosquito ‘birth control’, scientists are also mindful that this potential method only interrupts mosquito egg formation and reduces the population of these pests without harming other creatures. In fact, it could actually save some, like native birds found in Hawaii, as seen in this video.
A biologically safe method.
This does sound promising, not only for the environment but also in our relentless fight against mosquitoes.
A ‘bio-safe’ way to fight mosquitoes
Scientists in the United States said on Tuesday they had taken a major step toward developing a “mosquito birth control” drug to curb the spread of malaria and other killer diseases blamed for hundreds of thousands of deaths a year. Researchers at the University of Arizona said they had discovered a protein unique to female mosquitoes which is critical for their young to hatch. When the scientists blocked the protein, the females laid eggs with defective shells causing the embryos inside to die.
Of course, whilst this research is still being carried out, these critters are still producing offspring, so you want to limit the opportunities they have to do this in your back yard. You can get rid of any potential breeding areas by disposing of any standing water that may have collected. Mosquitoes just love even the smallest amount of water (even the size of a bottle cap) where they can lay their eggs, and continue to be a nuisance to you around your home.
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