Can sound frequency generated from phone repel mosquito?
Searched over 200M research papers
Research Analysis by Consensus
Consensus Meter
Introduction
The potential for sound frequencies, particularly those generated by mobile phones, to repel mosquitoes has been a topic of interest due to the convenience and accessibility of mobile devices. This synthesis examines the effectiveness of various sound frequencies, including ultrasound and low-frequency sounds, in repelling mosquitoes based on findings from multiple research studies.
Key Insights
-
Ultrasound Ineffectiveness:
- Multiple studies have shown that ultrasound in the range of 20-100 kHz does not repel mosquitoes. Devices producing these frequencies failed to show any significant repellent effect on various mosquito species, including Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Aedes aegypti, Ae. triseriatus, and Haemagogus equinus .
-
Low-Frequency Sound Effectiveness:
- In contrast, low-frequency sounds (140-200 Hz) have been found to repel male mosquitoes, specifically Aedes diantaeus. These frequencies caused pronounced avoidance behaviors, with mosquitoes quickly leaving the area upon exposure to the sound.
-
Mobile Application Integration:
- There is a mobile application that integrates ultrasound and frequency-based mosquito repellent features. While the application aims to provide a convenient solution, the effectiveness of the ultrasound component remains questionable based on existing research.
Conclusion
The research indicates that while ultrasound frequencies (20-100 kHz) are generally ineffective in repelling mosquitoes, low-frequency sounds (140-200 Hz) show promise in repelling certain mosquito species. Mobile applications incorporating these frequencies could potentially offer a practical solution, but the efficacy of ultrasound remains unsupported by current evidence.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic