Google Seeks to Release Millions of Mosquitoes Across US

Google's Debug programme is seeking to release millions of mosquitoes across the US in an effort to eliminate disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The company has applied for a permit from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to release up to 64 million sterile male mosquitoes over two years in Florida and California.

The method, called Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), involves releasing male mosquitoes that contain a naturally-occurring bacteria called Wolbachia. This prevents them from producing offspring with wild female mosquitoes, ultimately reducing the mosquito population.

Previous trials in Singapore and Australia have shown promising results, with up to 84% suppression of biting female mosquitoes reported in one study.