A scented billboard that kills mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus.

Two advertising agencies in Brazil have developed a scented billboard that is designed to kill mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the Zika virus. A billboard in Rio de Janeiro emits a chemical that smells like human sweat and breath. The ad attracts mosquitoes, which then fall into the trap and die of dehydration. How does a billboard work? The design is simple, but a few words of explanation are needed. Inside the billboard are containers of Lurex 3, a lactic acid mosquito attractant. This is a relatively inexpensive agent. When combined with carbon dioxide, it creates a substance that imitates the smell of human sweat and breath. The advertisement releases the fragrance in a mist, attracting insects from up to 4 kilometers away. Fluorescent bulbs enhance this effect, making it easier for mosquitoes to find their way to the billboard. An insect trap is installed at the bottom of the advertisement. Once a mosquito flies inside, it is trapped and dies of dehydration. Mosquito trap free download The billboard attracts and kills mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus, dengue fever (tropical fever), and chikungunya (tropical viral disease). The creators of the ad have made the project freely available under Creative Commons. Anyone with the necessary resources can produce their own poster, and with any questions, they can contact the creators via email. To date, two billboards have been installed in Rio de Janeiro. The World Health Organization recently declared the Zika virus a global public health emergency requiring an immediate response. Mosquito-killing billboards are one solution to this problem.