Wearable patch makes humans ‘invisible’ to mosquitoes

A small wearable patch that can keep mosquitoes away for up to 48 hours.

While we’ve already seen Lifelens, a smartphone app that can help detect the presence of malaria from a single drop of blood, the disease is still a major problem in developing countries due to the lack of a cheap and effective preventative measure. Hoping to remedy this, Kite is a small wearable patch that can keep mosquitoes away for up to 48 hours.

Comprised of scientists, designers and public health experts, the team behind Kite wanted to create a solution to protect those most at risk from mosquito bites – residents of developing countries such as Uganda, where the product is set to be tested and where life-threatening malaria, Dengue fever and West Nile virus are rife. The patch takes into account the fact that the insects track humans based on the CO2 they produce. Much like a peelable sticker, the Kite can be stuck onto any item of clothing, where it emits a fragrance that interferes with mosquitoes’ ability to detect CO2. The patch works for around 48 hours and can be used to protect adults and children alike, without the need for the toxic chemicals found in sprays, lotions and other repellents on the market. Made with food-grade, FDA-approved materials, the Kite team is currently seeking EPA approval before delivering the stickers to customers. The video below explains more about the project:

The patch has received much support on crowdfunding site Indiegogo, where it raised over USD 300,000 to enable the team to launch the product in Africa. Could similar patches be created to deter other pests?