The mosquito is the world’s most dangerous animal in terms of human lives claimed. Mosquitoes infect over 700 million people annually, carrying viruses and parasites that cause diseases such as malaria, zika, dengue fever, encephalitis, and yellow fever that result in millions of deaths each year. Even less severe cases not requiring hospitalization result in billions of dollars in lost productivity each year, with infected persons forced to remain at home for recovery.
The UAV is the ultimate vector control tool. Aerial imagery and AI-enabled processing software can efficiently analyze large areas to identify and map breeding sites such as old tires, buckets and pots, cisterns, and other sources of standing water that supports larva development in mosquito-prone areas. The data can then be used for targeting and mitigation of breeding sites with greater efficiency and lower costs than with traditional methods.
Image Courtesy of PlacerMosquio.org
In addition to identifying breeding sites, drones can also disperse vector control products to kill mosquitos over large areas, challenging terrain, and bodies of water difficult to reach by traditional methods. Non-toxic, biodegradable mosquito solutions are rapidly replacing harmful pesticides. Available in both liquids that can be sprayed and pellets that can be dropped from a UAV-mounted dispersal system, these new products can be precision-dispersed to minimize waste and environmental impact.
One such product we offer for environmentally friendly mosquito control is a biological larvicide approved for use with organic crops and sensitive environments. Consisting of environmentally compatible bacterial ingredients and food-grade inert ingredients, the product comes as dry granules that are carried on board the UAV and precision dispensed over the treatment area. NASA-derived terrain data and sensors ensure a consistent height over the ground – particularly important for preserving uniform dispersal in challenging terrain with dramatic elevation changes and obstacles.
Image Courtesy of Agrodrone
Skyfire’s mosquito control drones and payload systems are available in a wide range of configurations to support various payload capacities and flight endurance requirements. Please contact us for more information on how we can help you today.
Author: Walt Wylupek
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Walt Wylupek oversees strategy, technology, and business development for Skyfire Consulting. Prior to Skyfire, Walt founded the company that manufactures the first electrically-switchable smart glass product available at a big box retailer, established an electronics brand ranked #1 in sales on Amazon, and created a top-selling automotive accessories brand.
Walt is a former emergency medical technician who ran Emory University’s EMS program as Chief while working on his B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, tinkering with old machinery, and kickboxing.
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