Anti-mosquito paint trialled

An insectide containing paint has been used to eradicate an infestation of Triatome in Bolivia. The water based paint contains microcapsules that contain insecticides and insect growth regulators and slowly release them over time, reducing the risk to human occupants. Although the paint has not been fully evaulated by the World Health Organisation, meaning that it will not be taken up by public health officials in many countries, the trials reduced infestation rates in the area tested to nearly zero. In Africa, the paint is also being trialled against malaria carrying mosquitos.

The paint was developed by Pilar Mateo and will soon be being manufactured in Ghana for distribution around Africa.