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I've heard enough parables to know how this will play out, if it does happen: lots of dead bugs on the ground, bugs that will feed another species in the food c

I've heard enough parables to know how this will play out, if it does happen: lots of dead bugs on the ground, bugs that will feed another species in the food chain. The lack of mosquito population and reproduction will starve species that depend on them. That change in the dynamic will ultimately be worse for ag production... I'm all for reducing toxic chemicals from the food supply chain and this approach looks somewhat promising. Its just difficult to predict the consequences of even an ideal outcome. That isn't to say that we shouldn't try, but maybe we could work together to mitigate such effects before mass adoption, or reframe the problem such that lasers may not be needed in the first place.

wartijn_ 5y ago
It doesn't have to be used to kill all insects, just the few mosquitos that are in my bedroom when I try to sleep. I'll remove any dead mosquitos the next morning and probably won't really alter the ecosystem, while it can make sure I have a good night's sleep. Edit: after re-reading the article I see the main subject is killing moths to improve agriculture, not mosquitos in my bedroom
- pmontra 5y ago
  You should buy an electric mosquito racket. Basically any standing mosquito is a dead mosquito because you move the racket over the mosquito, the bug gets scared and flies into the racket, game over. The only problems left are those invisible mosquitoes that manage to hide and fly only when the lights go off. Notwithstanding that a racket greatly improves the quality of life.
  - wartijn_ 5y ago
    Yeah, I've got one and it's great. But not having to get out of bed would be even better.
- reilly3000 5y ago
  For indoor pests we have had good results with diffusing lavender oil at night and peppermint oil by day. Mosquitoes in particular hate those smells and it makes it difficult for them to smell CO2 emitted from your skin pores which is their main attractant. We also eliminated a source of standing water by our home and that pretty much ended the issue.
  - wartijn_ 5y ago
    I'll definitely try that, Thanks :) Moving from southern Europe to northern-ish Europe also worked pretty well for me. It's cold, dark and rainy here, but at least the mosquitos are only a problem a few months per year.

wartijn_ 5y ago

It doesn't have to be used to kill all insects, just the few mosquitos that are in my bedroom when I try to sleep. I'll remove any dead mosquitos the next morning and probably won't really alter the ecosystem, while it can make sure I have a good night's sleep. Edit: after re-reading the article I see the main subject is killing moths to improve agriculture, not mosquitos in my bedroom

pmontra 5y ago
You should buy an electric mosquito racket. Basically any standing mosquito is a dead mosquito because you move the racket over the mosquito, the bug gets scared and flies into the racket, game over. The only problems left are those invisible mosquitoes that manage to hide and fly only when the lights go off. Notwithstanding that a racket greatly improves the quality of life.
- wartijn_ 5y ago
  Yeah, I've got one and it's great. But not having to get out of bed would be even better.
reilly3000 5y ago
For indoor pests we have had good results with diffusing lavender oil at night and peppermint oil by day. Mosquitoes in particular hate those smells and it makes it difficult for them to smell CO2 emitted from your skin pores which is their main attractant. We also eliminated a source of standing water by our home and that pretty much ended the issue.
- wartijn_ 5y ago
  I'll definitely try that, Thanks :) Moving from southern Europe to northern-ish Europe also worked pretty well for me. It's cold, dark and rainy here, but at least the mosquitos are only a problem a few months per year.