Element B
Element B
November 8, 2020
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Problem Statement
According to the CDC, there are up to 13 diseases and 3 parasites that are directly transmitted by mosquitos and their bites. Of up to the 500 million people affected by these diseases each year, over a million of these cases are fatal. Because of the nature of their size, and how widespread they are, this is a worldwide issue.
Introduction
The issue with mosquitos is the speed at which they populate, and the size of the airborne parasite. We understand they are airborne, and tend to live in wet areas. The focus is to find something that can either prevent the birth of too many mosquitos, or be effective in air without hurting humans. A secondary, less effective option is to keep mosquitos away without harming them. In the end, the solution needs to be safe for humans and available to anyone who needs it.
Products
Thermacell- Patio Shield Mosquito Repellant
Odorless, Cordless, repellent. 12-hours fuel cartridge for 15 feet of protection. An option for those who don’t like sprays and smoke.
Pros
Easy to use
Lower efficiency
Non-Toxic
Refillable
Cons
Small range
Aesthetically pleasing
Not a Preventative
AMDRO- Mosquito Yard Spray
This is less of a preventative measure and more for when mosquitos are present. Once connected to your hose, you can use it to kill ticks, flies, and mosquitos on contact.
Pros
Kills on contact
Extremely efficient
Cons
Toxic
Outdoor use only
Not a preventative
Runs out
Summit Responsible Solutions- Mosquito Dunks
This preventative measure kills mosquito larvae in places like ponds, bird baths, or flooded areas for up to 100 square feet for 20 days. This product is EPA-registered as non-toxic to people, pets, or other animals.
Pros
Water solution
Preventative
Non-Toxic
6-pack
Cons
Does not kill live ones
One-time use
Patents
MOSQUITO TRAP DEVICE U.S. Patent No. US D545,936 S
It is a tower-like product with the shaft containing the actual mosquito repellent.
Pros
Tall and slim
Designed for airflow
Cons
Not easily accessible
Large
Costly
HOUSEFLY, HORN FLY, AND MOSQUITO REPELLENTS AND APPARATUS USEFUL IN TESTING EFFICACY OF SAME U.S. Patent No. 5,417,009
This elaborate design is made so that the mosquitos would be attracted to it by heat and trapped in an air flow. The device is long and contains a powered fan that needs to be installed into a building.
Pros
Intricate and well-designed
Extremely effective
Traps mosquitos
Cons
Require installation
Too complicated
Extremely expensive
MOSQUITO REPELLANT LAMP U.S. Patent No. USD634,808 S
This is a device that can be hand held and easily useable. It is cylindrical with a mushroom top and holes at top. It has many holes to allow easy air flow throughout the device. The is a latch on top which allows this device to be hung for convenience.
Pros
Can be hung
Good airflow
Inexpensive
Can be used long-term
Cons
Not the most effective
Odd-looking
Oddly placed top holes
Similar Solutions Matrix
Conclusion
The most common of the products used to attack the mosquitos are airborne solutions. We find a lot of products and patents that target the airflow, and less of the other preventative options. This does provide the cheaper and more convenient solution to the issue. However, I find that the products such as the “Mosquito Dunks” are a full proof solution in preventing the birth of mosquitos in large bodies in water. I am, a strong believer in the cheaper and preventative solutions, but a nice alternative would be unitizing the various products/patents’ airflows and expanding on it. I dislike the mosquito spray because of its chemical basis and the fact that it is too toxic to use all the time, and it is not a preventative.
Sources
Amdro Quick Kill Outdoor Insect Killer Ready to Spray, www.amdro.com/all-products/quick-kill-outdoor-insect-killer-rts.
Butler, J. F., Marin, A. B., Warren, C. B., Wilson, R. A., & Mookherjee, B. D. (1995). HOUSEFLY, HORN FLY, AND MOSQUITO REPELLENTS AND APPARATUS USEFUL IN TESTING EFFICACY OF SAME (U.S. Patent No. 5,417,009). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Metaxatos, P. K., Maw, K. M., Nichols, E., & Nelson, E. C., Jr. (2007). MOSQUITO TRAP DEVICE (U.S. Patent No. US D545,936 S). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
“Mosquitoes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Sept. 2020, www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/index.html.
“Mosquito Dunks® - Summit Chemical Company: Mosquito and Insect Control Products.” Summit Chemical Company | Mosquito and Insect Control Products, 14 May 2018, www.summitchemical.com/mosquito/mosquito-dunks/.
Thermacell. “Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller.” Thermacell Repellents, www.thermacell.com/products/patio-shield-mosquito-repeller.
Tsai, Y.-Y. (2011). MOSQUITO REPELLENT LAMP (U.S. Patent No. USD634,808 S). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
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