Chemical-free, scalable, optical insect repellant

This technology is a method for repelling insects and establishing pest-free zones based on the use of near infrared (NIR) light.

Unmet Need: Non-toxic and effective insect repellant

Keeping pests away from designated areas is important in many applications from food services to healthcare. Current methods to repel insects and create insect-free barriers are minimally effective, not easily scalable, or chemically hazardous for the environment and user. There is a need for a simple, effective, non-toxic pest-repellant solution that can be widely used for several applications.

The Technology: Light barrier for establishing pest free zones

This technology uses NIR light to illuminate a designated area and repel pests. While other light sources have been shown to attract insects, this NIR light has been shown to repel insects. The light can either be stationary, pulsatile, or can scan across an area in 3D to create a barrier for insects. This technology provides a widely applicable, scalable, and chemical-free solution for repelling insects

This technology has been validated with Anopheles gambiae, the malaria-carrying mosquito.

Applications:

• Insect repellant for crops
• Insect repellant for homes and kitchens
• Protecting food from flying pests
• Protecting stored clothing from insects
• Protection from disease-carrying mosquitoes
• Creating pest-free barriers in public spaces

Advantages:

• Scalable to different surfaces and 3D shapes
• Non-toxic and chemical-free
• Easily programmable
• High throughput

Lead Inventor:

Szabolcs Marka, Ph.D

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU16085

• Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel