Israeli City Deploys Sterile Mosquitoes to Combat Asian Tiger Mosquitoes
The Kiryat Ono municipality has recently implemented an innovative biological pest control program targeting the Asian tiger mosquito throughout the city. The initiative, spearheaded by the municipality's sanitation department in collaboration with the company Sensio, involved the release of tens of thousands of sterile male mosquitoes in selected areas.
The method relies on the cyclical release of these sterile males, which mate with females. However, the eggs laid by these females do not develop, thus preventing a new generation of mosquitoes. Sensio's experience suggests that after several weeks of these releases, a reduction in the mosquito population in the treated areas is expected.
The sterile mosquitoes were released in targeted locations, with a focus on public spaces like parks and kindergartens where the Asian tiger mosquito has previously been identified. Mayor Michal Rotenshine highlighted the municipality's commitment to innovative solutions for improving residents' quality of life, expressing confidence that this biological control will alleviate the nuisance. She noted that other municipalities where this method has been applied have seen a decrease in mosquito numbers and resident complaints.
Alongside the municipal effort, the mayor emphasized the importance of community responsibility, urging residents to assist by identifying and emptying standing water sources in their yards, balconies, and surroundings. She stated that combining urban innovation with resident cooperation is the most effective way to tackle the mosquito problem.
Chen Tena, head of the sanitation department, who closely supervised the operation and participated in the mosquito release, described the experience as unusual. He reassured residents that the male mosquitoes, which do not bite, pose no threat, and he himself was not bitten during the release. Tena concluded that this smart biological control method aims to naturally and healthily reduce the mosquito nuisance over time for the benefit of the environment and residents.
