Southern California Deploys Sterile Mosquitoes to Combat Invasive Species
New initiative aims to reduce disease-carrying Aedes mosquito population using Sterile Insect Technique
- Tens of thousands of sterilized male mosquitoes will be released weekly until October.
- The Sterile Insect Technique involves X-ray sterilization to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching.
- Targeted mosquito species include Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, known for spreading diseases like Zika and dengue.
- Officials emphasize that sterilized male mosquitoes do not bite and are environmentally friendly.
- The program seeks to address pesticide-resistant mosquitoes and improve outdoor experiences for residents.