Satellites could combat midges
TT/The Local - [email protected]
Published: 15 Aug, 2007 CET.
Updated: Wed 15 Aug 2007 08:34 CET
Aggressive wetland mosquitos are causing increasing irritation across Sweden. Now researchers say that satellite technology could help them combat the problem.
The researchers at Uppsala University say they can use satellite images to map out areas where the nuisance midges are likely to congregate.
"We're now trying to develop a method to interpret the satellite images. If we can use the pictures to find areas that vary between being dry and flooded, and thereby identify where these mosquitos lay their eggs, we can act more quickly," said researcher Martina Schäfer.
"This would enable us to carry out risk analyses and apply quickly for permission to spray with [larvacide] BTI."
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The researchers at Uppsala University say they can use satellite images to map out areas where the nuisance midges are likely to congregate.
"We're now trying to develop a method to interpret the satellite images. If we can use the pictures to find areas that vary between being dry and flooded, and thereby identify where these mosquitos lay their eggs, we can act more quickly," said researcher Martina Schäfer.
"This would enable us to carry out risk analyses and apply quickly for permission to spray with [larvacide] BTI."
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