Stand-alone mosquito control device using reflected ambient light
Innovative mosquito control device that uses horizontally polarized light to attract egg-laying mosquitoes. It features a no-maintenance, easy-to-produce design suitable for consumer and community-wide use, aiming to reduce mosquito populations.
Overview
The stand-alone mosquito control device is designed to attract egg-laying female mosquitoes by selectively reflecting ambient daylight or night light that oscillates in the horizontal plane, which is a natural attractant for mosquitoes. By targeting gravid mosquitoes with its adhesive-treated or insecticide-treated surfaces, the device aims to effectively remove mosquitoes and so reduce population growth of these biting vectors of disease. This innovative solution offers a no-maintenance setup that is easy to mass produce and deploy in both consumer and community-wide settings.
Technical specifications
The device consists of a container that releases moisture, topped by a saucer dome made from black dielectric solid material with a smooth, specular finish. This design reflects horizontally polarized light with a maximum degree of polarization for mosquitoes, regardless of their approach angle or flight altitude. The outer container surface is non-specular grey, ensuring the system's effectiveness across different mosquito species.
Technology readiness level
Currently at a TRL of 5, this device has prototype models available for testing. Future validation is planned through licensing agreement, co-development or pilot or trial engagement.
About University of Neuchâtel
The University of Neuchâtel is a small, comprehensive public research university with about 4,550 students and an international character. Located between Geneva, Bern and Zurich, it sits within a Swiss innovation network that includes CSEM, EPFL and HE-Arc; Microcity connects research and education with start-ups, SMEs and multinationals. Industry-facing support helps companies identify academic partners and engage with university expertise and technologies. Research draws on competitive funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation, Innosuisse, the European Union and other sources. A dedicated Technology Transfer Office supports partnerships, intellectual-property protection and commercialization.
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