What are genetically modified mosquitoes? Should you be worried about them? Will they solve mosquito-borne disease?
Today, we’re covering genetically modified mosquitoes, dispelling the myths and giving you the facts about this pest. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of genetically modified mosquitoes.
What Are Genetically Modified Mosquitoes?
Genetically modified mosquitoes are bred and grown in a lab specifically to carry two genes: a gene that prevents female mosquito offspring from surviving to adulthood and a gene that causes them to glow under a special red light.
Why change mosquitoes to carry these genes?
First, the gene that prevents female mosquito offspring from surviving is designed to reduce mosquito populations. When male genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes are released into the wild, they mate with wild female mosquitoes. The female offspring of the GM and wild mosquitoes don’t live long enough to reproduce. Over time, this causes mosquito populations to decline. Also, male mosquitoes do not bite people or animals.
The second, fluorescent gene is added to help scientists track the mosquitoes and collect data.
Currently, the only mosquito that has been genetically modified is the Aedes aegypti mosquito—one of many species of mosquito that exists. (This type of mosquito is the one that spreads most disease.)
Why Modify Mosquitoes Genetically?
If you’re wondering why scientists might want to genetically modify mosquitoes, the short answer is: to reduce disease.
Many species of mosquitoes carry serious diseases. The diseases include West Nile, Zika, malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and Chikungunya. Mosquitoes also carry diseases that affect livestock and pets, like heartworm and equine encephalitis. Most of these diseases can cause serious illness, birth defects, or even death.
By reducing mosquito populations, scientists hope to also reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. That’s because, with fewer mosquitoes around, there are less of the insects to carry and transmit the viruses and parasites that cause disease.
What Are the Potential Downsides?
While genetically modified mosquitoes sound great in theory, they aren’t without controversy.
The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) found no risk to people, animals, or the environment, giving Oxitec—the company creating the mosquitoes—the green light for their pilot program. Oxitec states that in other tests in countries including Brazil and the Cayman Islands, the GM mosquitoes have successfully reduced the mosquito population.
Critics, however, argue that there is not enough data to support GM mosquitoes and have expressed concern that, once released, GM mosquitoes can’t be recalled from the environment. There is concern that the modified mosquito could have unanticipated negative effects on the environment or could result in a dangerous mutation in the malaria parasite or other viruses.
So should you be worried about GM mosquitoes in your backyard? Right now, the answer is no.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen videos shared on social media claiming that mosquitoes were being released in our area from aircraft. (One such video was a Cincinnati air show.) However, you should know this is a myth! No GM mosquitoes have been released in Cincinnati or Ohio at all. Currently, the only states with approval to test these mosquitoes are Florida, California, and parts of Texas.
Need Mosquito Help?
If your yard is plagued by mosquitoes, we can help—no genetically modified mosquitoes needed. We’ll help you identify mosquito breeding grounds, eliminate mosquitoes, and protect you (and your pets) from mosquito-borne disease.
Contact Scherzinger Pest Control, a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton, OH, and now Columbus, OH. We’ve been pioneers, engineering new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-877-748-9888 or through our website, Facebook, or Twitter.
