Beijing Park Becomes First 'Mosquito-Free' Zone Using Smart Traps and Mint

Beijing's Yongdinghe Park is pioneering a new approach to urban pest control, becoming the city's first "mosquito-free" park. This innovative pilot project aims to curb the growing presence of mosquitoes in northern China, a region increasingly susceptible to these insects and the diseases they carry.

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The strategy "anti-mosquito" establishes three fronts, being the first of them the installation of traps that imitate the human being releasing carbon dioxide and generating heat, a perfect lure to attract and capture by suction the female mosquito, the only one that bites.

The multi-pronged strategy employs "smart traps" that lure and capture female mosquitoes, the only ones that bite. These devices mimic human presence by emitting carbon dioxide and heat, effectively drawing the insects in before they are suctioned and trapped. A display on the traps shows real-time daily catches, which can reach up to 3,000 mosquitoes.

Complementing the technology, the park integrates natural repellents. Approximately 800 square meters are dedicated to plants such as mint, Chinese bellflower, and catnip, known for their mosquito-repelling properties. This botanical defense is further supported by soil sterilization processes and regular maintenance to eliminate breeding grounds, including clearing stagnant water in storm drains and low-lying areas.

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The second bastion grows directly from the earth: bushes of mint, Chinese bellflower or catnip, which according to the authorities help to repel mosquitoes, occupy together about 800 square meters and are complemented by processes such as soil sterilization.

This initiative is part of a broader municipal plan to manage mosquito populations, which have become a growing concern due to rising temperatures and increased precipitation linked to climate change. The expansion of mosquito activity in northern China raises fears of potential outbreaks of diseases like dengue and chikungunya, which have seen significant cases in southern China in recent years. While northern China is not traditionally endemic for these diseases, experts warn that changing environmental conditions are creating more favorable habitats for these disease-carrying insects.

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The conditions in the northern part of the country are becoming increasingly favorable for the survival of these insects.