This is one innovation that can take the sting out of mosquito bites. Eco BioTraps (EBT), a Pune-based startup, has come up with a population reduction device designed to break the mosquito breeding chain and prevent diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, zika and other vector-borne illnesses. As mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, these traps are filled with water and placed in mosquito-infested areas. The attractant and the insecticide in the trap bag get mixed in this water. Once the mosquitoes lay their eggs, both the mosquitoes and the larvae are killed instantly by the insecticides in the water.
Recently, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) used the Eco Biotraps in Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, as part of a pilot project. The trap yielded good results as it was user-friendly as well as safe for the environment. “In partnership with ICICI Foundation, Eco BioTraps have been deployed. BioTraps were seven times more successful than the control traps in attracting gravid female mosquitoes. Also, BioTraps were 100% effective in preventing the hatching of eggs for eight weeks,” said Prasad Phadke, founder and CEO, Eco BioTraps.
Eco BioTraps have been made available in 1,000 locations across 300 districts and 22 states. Various establishments, including hotels, hospitals, residential societies, defense establishments, schools, educational institutions, IT parks, and factories have opted for year-long contracts with Eco BioTraps. “Till date, Eco BioTraps have protected 9,44,000 lives, reduced carbon offset by 170 metric tonnes and diverted 70 sq feet of landfill. Each unit lasts for four weeks, is effective up to 400 sq feet, and 70% cheaper than all the products in the market,” said Phadke.
According to him, Eco BioTraps operate on a sophisticated yet simple mechanism, designed to specifically target female mosquitoes, which are responsible for transmitting diseases to humans. A retail pack of five on Amazon costs Rs 2,500.
Made from recycled corrugated boxes, the containers can hold water for a limited period. The water inside the traps is non-toxic and can be safely discarded without any special processing. The proprietary natural attractant is derived from plant-based animal food. “The product is 100% biodegradable, it emits no fumes and uses no electricity, batteries or recharging. It is the only device on the planet that is made from waste to save lives,” he said.
Founded in 2019, Eco BioTraps has operations in Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi and is now looking at tapping overseas markets such as Nepal, Malaysia, China besides several African nations.
