MOUNTAIN VIEW, California — Google is seeking federal approval to release up to 32 million mosquitoes in California and Florida as part of an effort to reduce populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes without using pesticides or genetic modification.
The initiative, known as Debug, aims to combat the spread of illnesses such as dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya, which are primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths worldwide than any other animal due to the diseases they spread.
Under the proposal, Google would release male mosquitoes infected with a naturally occurring bacterium called Wolbachia. When these males mate with wild female mosquitoes, the eggs do not hatch, gradually reducing local mosquito populations over time. Because only female mosquitoes bite humans, the released males are not capable of spreading disease.
Google says the program avoids chemicals, toxins, and genetic engineering while building on pest-control techniques that have been used for decades. The company also plans to use sensors, automation, and data analysis to improve the effectiveness of mosquito suppression efforts.
According to a notice published in the Federal Register, the Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing Google’s request for an Experimental Use Permit. The proposal calls for up to 16 million mosquitoes to be released in Florida during the first year and another 16 million in California during the second year.
Federal regulators are currently accepting public comments before making a final decision on the project.
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