Sound as a Mosquito Repellent

Several studies have found no proof that sound is an ineffective mosquito repellent.

Manufacturers of ultrasonic pest repellent devices claim that sounds humans cannot hear will keep away insects like mosquitoes. According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension and other authoritative sources, however, there is no evidence that sound is an effective means of repelling mosquitoes.

Studies

A review titled "Electronic mosquito repellents for preventing mosquito bites and malaria infection," funded by the United Kingdom's Department for International Development and published on its website, indicated that sound-based mosquito repellents did not deter mosquitoes from biting. The author, after reviewing 10 studies of electronic mosquito repellents, asserted that they "are not effective in repelling mosquitoes and should not be recommended or used."

Controversy

Electronic sound mosquito repellents are sold on some airlines with flights to and from countries in which malaria is a widespread health concern. Faced with evidence that the devices do not work, KLM Royal Dutch Airline agreed in 2010 to stop selling the devices. The development came amid concern that people using the devices---forgoing the use of known effective mosquito repellents---were placing themselves at risk of contracting malaria.

Alternatives

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes only three products as effective mosquito repellents. They are N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide---known widely as "DEET"; KBR3023, which is also called "picaridin"; and oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET should not be used on babies under 2 months old, and oil of eucalyptus should not be used on any child under 3 years of age.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Mosquito Repellents
• Department for International Development: Electronic mosquito repellents for repelling mosquito bites and malaria infection," Enayati AA, et al. "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
• Science Daily: Campiagn to End Sale of Electronic Mosquito Repellents
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Insect Repellent Use and Saftey
• Science Daily: Electronic Mosquito Repellents Don't Work, Say Researchers

Resources

• American Mosquito Control Asociation
• US Environmental Agency: Mosquito Control
• US Aid: Infectious Diseases: Malaria: Countries