Mosquito Laser Pointer - $199 - Non-Harmful Pest Control

The Global Threat of Mosquitoes and a Novel Tech Solution

Mosquitoes represent the deadliest animal to humans globally, and numerous technological approaches are being explored to combat them. Bzigo has introduced a device designed to locate mosquitoes within a home environment, utilizing a laser to pinpoint their position and providing notifications via a smartphone application when mosquito activity is detected.

Initial Impressions from CES

During a virtual exploration of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), certain company offerings prompted a degree of skepticism. Despite not attending the event in person, the unusual nature of some products still managed to capture attention. Bzigo’s laser-guided mosquito pointer presents an intriguing technical challenge, potentially serving as a foundational step towards developing a fully automated mosquito elimination system.

How the Device Functions

The device incorporates an infrared LED light source, a high-resolution wide-angle camera, and integrated electronic components. The embedded AI is capable of differentiating between mosquitoes and inanimate particles, analyzing their movement patterns to identify potential pests.

Key Concerns Regarding Functionality

Despite the innovative concept, two significant issues warrant consideration.

Firstly, unlike other innovations showcased at CES, this device doesn’t actively eliminate mosquitoes. Instead, it alerts the user via a smartphone notification, prompting them to take action – such as using a toy blaster – and highlights the mosquito’s location with a small red laser pointer. The company emphasizes the laser is Class 1 and entirely safe. However, this raises a fundamental question about the product’s overall utility.

Bzigo’s Perspective

Benjamin Resnick, Bzigo’s product manager, explains in the company’s demonstration video, “Identifying the mosquito presents the primary difficulty; eliminating it is comparatively straightforward.” He continues, “Once Bzigo’s laser pointer indicates the mosquito’s landing spot, manual removal becomes easily achievable.”

Having experienced mosquitoes of considerable size in my home country, I’ve never personally found locating them to be a significant obstacle.

Concerns About Premature Product Launch

The second, and more concerning, issue is the company’s intention to release the current iteration as a consumer product. Bzigo reports that thousands of pre-orders have been placed for the $199 device, with anticipated shipping to customers occurring later this year.

While commendable, securing thousands of pre-orders for a mosquito-marking laser pointer seems remarkable. Ultimately, the product appears largely ineffective. Mosquitoes are most active during twilight hours, when individuals are typically less alert for mosquito hunting. A proven, highly effective alternative already exists: long-lasting, insecticidal bed nets (LLINs).

The Value of Existing Solutions

These nets, costing just $10 including delivery, provide a physical barrier against malaria-carrying mosquitoes and incorporate insecticide to kill them before disease transmission. They represent a simple and cost-effective solution for protecting families from malaria.

A Call for Re-evaluation

I appreciate innovative technology and creative prototypes. However, it’s crucial to consider whether the environmental and economic impact of distributing thousands of sophisticated laser pointers – destined for landfills within a decade without having eliminated a single mosquito or saved a life – justifies the benefits.

Looking Ahead

I anticipate a future version of this product incorporating actual mosquito-elimination technology. Until then, I encourage the founders to reconsider launching this prototype as a consumer product. Numerous pressing global issues deserve attention, and staging a silent laser light show for a few mosquitoes does not qualify.