Wang Xiao’ai

Living in a coastal city, Shenzhen citizens are frequently troubled by mosquitoes. However, the real severity of mosquito-related hazards goes unnoticed, as many treat them as no more than just a nuisance that leaves itchy red bumps on their arms and legs.

Few people are aware of the fact that mosquitoes carry pathogens such as the dengue virus that can cause human deaths. According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 5 million dengue fever cases were reported worldwide last year, and the infection symptoms are quite distressing.

There are numerous kinds of mosquito repellents, like anti-mosquito swatters or mosquito sprays. Nevertheless, although those products do repel mosquitoes, they're not convenient, or even harmful to citizens. For instance, DEET, which is a common chemical ingredient in mosquito sprays, can cause skin problems and has environmental concerns. Thus, a research team called Links China decided to invent a safe and effective mosquito repellent.

Moskilla, as the product is called, aims to attract and kill mosquitoes. For sugar-loving mosquitoes, it uses attractive toxic sugar bait (ATSB) to kill them. The team members also add HMBPP to the bait, which attracts blood-feeding mosquitoes. The main killing factor is shRNA. HMBPP acts as a feeding attractant for blood-feeding mosquitoes, activating their olfactory receptors and making them more likely to be attracted to the devices.

As Moskilla adopts new technologies and offers a new means to control mosquitoes, it’s viable for the government to invest in improving it.

Last but not least, citizens should improve their awareness of mosquito-triggered hazards and find ways to protect themselves. During hot and wet seasons, people should wear protective clothing, use repellents, avoid perfumes, and keep themselves clean and odorless to protect themselves from being bitten.

They should also seek help from a doctor if there are signs of infection, allergic reactions, or mosquito-borne diseases induced by bites. Such mosquito-borne diseases as malaria and dengue are contagious, so it’s essential that each individual takes action to avoid mosquito bites.

(The author is a student from

dreamers Education.)