Miami has been trying to control the spread of Zika virus after the virus-carrying mosquitoes arrived on the shores of the sunny beach city.
After controversial aerial spraying with pesticides helped control the spreading in some areas, the technique wasn’t taking hold along the famous stretch of Miami Beach where the number of people infected with the virus has risen.
So, the city has is now looking to enlist the help of an air-born ally to help battle the bugs.
READ MORE: ‘No current risk’ after mosquito that can transmit Zika virus found in Ontario: officials
Miami Beach Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez came up with the idea of trying to bring in as many bats as possible to mow down the virus spreading mosquitoes.
Get weekly health news
WATCH: Zika remains global health emergency, virus still spreading: WHO
Gonzalez proposes the city build bat-houses, small birdhouse-like boxes, around Miami Beach to attract the furry mammals.
According to the Miami New Times, Gonzalez noted that unlike using pesticides, which poses some health and environmental risks, “bats can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes per hour and offer an environmentally friendly approach to mosquito control.”
READ MORE: Zika virus: doctors uncertain how long babies will need to be monitored
The American Mosquito Control Association, a non-profit organization representing scientists and mosquito workers, says on its website that though bats are opportunistic hunters, a large concentration of mosquitoes could sustain a bat’s nutritional needs.
As of Tuesday, Zika infections had been reported in 1,040 people in Florida.
With files from Associated Press
Comments