New technology safely kills Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae without harming the environment

Scientists from Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) have unveiled an innovative larvicide that uses two simple and fully biodegradable ingredients — baker's yeast and orange oil — to target the larvae of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit the dangerous dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses.

The technology consists of microcapsules of orange oil enclosed in yeast shells. According to Fernando Ariel Genta, Head of the IOC's Insect Biochemistry and Physiology Laboratory, Aedes aegypti larvae consume the yeast cells, unknowingly ingesting the lethal substance. This is reported by Toda Palavra, a partner of TV BRICS.

Unlike chemical pesticides, this method is completely safe for the environment, other insects, and humans. The capsules do not accumulate in nature and do not lead to resistance in mosquitoes, making the technology a promising tool for sustainable biological control.

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