A recent study published on PLOS ONE has highlighted the effectiveness of a new device, the BiteBarrier, in the fight against mosquitoes. The transfluthrin-based spatial emanator releases vapors that repel and kill mosquitoes, reducing the risk of bites and transmission potential for up to eight weeks. Researchers say it provides protection in both indoor and outdoor environments.

The research was conducted at the Ifakara Health Institute facilities in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, by the Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) team, which included Masudi Maasayi (first author), Johnson Swai, Joseph Muganga, Jason Moore, Jennifer Stevenson, Sarah Moore, and Mgeni Tambwe.

International collaborators included Michael Coleman from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK) and Neil Francis Lobo from the University of Notre Dame (USA).

Addressing a growing challenge

Controlling mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue is becoming increasingly complex as mosquitoes are adapting to current interventions. Many species now bite earlier in the evening, in the morning, or outdoors—times and places where bed nets provide limited protection. At the same time, the rise of insecticide resistance is reducing the effectiveness of traditional tools like indoor spraying.

Spatial emanators (SEs) offer a promising scalable solution to existing vector control tools, even in areas where resistance to pyrethroids is prevalent or other conventional tools may not be feasible.

As a novel emanator, the BiteBarrier can potentially fill this gap as it continuously releases transfluthrin vapors to repel and kill mosquitoes, providing ongoing protection indoors and outdoors.

Strong and lasting protection

Researchers evaluated the BiteBarrier over an eight-week period, testing its performance against multiple mosquito species—both insecticide-susceptible and resistant strains of Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex—in a semi-field environment that mimicked real indoor and outdoor settings.

The device reduced mosquito bites by over 93% indoors and 80% outdoors, while also killing nearly half (47%) of the mosquitoes that came into close range indoors. Importantly, its efficacy was maintained over the full eight-week testing period, indicating strong durability.

A promising addition to vector control

The researchers conclude that the BiteBarrier could serve as a valuable complementary tool to existing vector control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying. Its ability to function effectively both indoors and outdoors, coupled with its sustained performance, makes it a promising tool for addressing the evolving behavior of malaria vectors.

“Overall, the BiteBarrier shows strong potential for reducing mosquito bites and vectorial capacity, offering protection for at least eight weeks in both indoor and outdoor environments,” the study authors concluded. “Further research is needed to evaluate its longer-term performance and public health impact in real-world settings.”

Read the full publication on PLOS ONE here.