Energy efficient street lamps are also mosquito traps

Researchers at University of Malaya have developed street lights powered by wind and solar, which attract and trap mosquitoes using a 'human' scent.

Controlling the growth of mosquito populations is an effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We’ve already wrote about bug trapping drones, and now energy efficient street lamps in Kuala Lumpur can attract and trap mosquitoes by giving off a ‘human’ scent.

Developed by researchers at the University of Malaya, the smart outdoor LED lamps are powered by wind and solar energy, and can function off the grid, even in flood-prone areas. They produce UV light that shines on a titanium dioxide surface, causing the release of small amounts of CO2 — mosquitoes are attracted to humans and other prey by following CO2 trails. Once close enough to the lamps, the fan motion of the wind turbine pulls the mosquitoes inside a trap netting.

Developed to combat the spread of dengue fever in Malaysia, the self-powered street lights can be easily deployed in areas lacking power infrastructure, providing energy efficient lighting as well as disease control. How else could biological control systems be implemented into cities?