Wuhan tackles mosquito menace smartly

Wuhan, in Central China's Hubei province, has deployed 10 smart mosquito traps in local parks that use environmentally friendly trap technology.

The black cylindrical devices, which resemble sleek trash bins at first glance, lure mosquitoes by releasing a specific concentration of carbon dioxide that simulates human respiration, along with a targeted spectrum of LED light, said Wang Zeming, a senior engineer at one of the parks in Wuhan's Jianghan district.

Once drawn near a unit, mosquitoes are sucked into a sealed container by an internal vacuum system and killed through physical dehydration, he added.

"Compared with traditional spraying or sticky boards, the smart mosquito trap is environmentally friendly and pollution-free," Wang said. "It targets only mosquitoes without harming beneficial insects such as bees and dragonflies and is both efficient and aesthetically pleasing."

The devices operate around the clock and provide real-time data through digital screens mounted on their fronts, Wang said.

"Each unit is also connected to an online platform, allowing us to access real-time information on its location, operating status and capture data via mobile phone," he said. "This makes it easier to assess mosquito breeding patterns and implement targeted control measures."

The Jianghan district has so far deployed 10 traps across its public parks, with each unit covering 100 to 200 square meters of mosquito-prone areas.

The devices are carefully placed in locations with dense vegetation, shade and moisture, as well as areas where residents tend to gather for rest and recreation, officials said.

Since the pilot program began in mid-July, the devices have killed more than 70,000 mosquitoes, local authorities said.

Common mosquito-borne diseases include dengue, chikungunya and Zika.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said summer heat and rainfall create favorable conditions for mosquito breeding, with mosquito density expected to remain high throughout the season.

Increased cross-regional travel during the summer months will also raise the risk of imported dengue and chikungunya cases, the center said.

Similar devices have also been deployed in parks in Beijing and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, local media reported.

Beijing Daily reported in late July that 17 smart mosquito traps were in operation at popular tourist attractions, including the Summer Palace, Beihai Park and the China National Botanical Garden.

Contact the writers at wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn