THE MAGNIFICENT NEW MOSQUITO-EATER  

Finally the world's most effective mosquito exterminator has arrived -- so high-tech it was unveiled at a recent convention of the Pacific Science Congress in Honolulu. A small suction fan draws insects into range with an ultraviolet light lure, and when they reach a fine mesh "killing field", a self-cleaning, spinning nylon thread acts as a garrote.

Technically termed the "dynamic flying insect exterminator" (DYNEX), the device was conceived and developed by James Woodruff of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTER) in Honolulu. The prototype unit shown to the Pacific Science Congress contains a small model fan, 46 centimeters in diameter, but PICHTER says the unit could easily be built up to three metres across for outdoor use. Winnipeggers will love it. Unlike previous insect exterminators, DYNEX simplifies removal and recycling of expired insects. After being strangled and diced by the whirling nylon, dead insects drop into a small drawer at the bottom of the "cage". Accumulated insects can be used later as fertilizer or food for birds and fish. DYNEX creates no startling noises like similar high voltage zappers. The unit handles bugs of varying sizes, but does not affect honeybees and butterflies. The ultraviolet bulb is easily replaced. The unit is really three appliances in one, as it also serves as a light and air circulation fan.

The unit contains built-in safety features. The spinning thread will not harm the hands of children or adults. The mosquito eater is "environmentally-friendly", according to inventor Woodruff. No pesticides are used and the Science Congress say the unit is virtually silent and can be used indoors and outside. The simple design also lends itself to inexpensive manufacture.

In most of Canada and the U.S., mosquitos are an accepted nuisance, but as one who has had malaria in Cuba and dengue fever in Haiti, I can attest to the serious problems mosquitos present in semi-tropical and tropical areas. Although my hallucinations during dengue fever were colorful and wonderful, such more serious diseases such as yellow fever and encephalitis carried by these insects cannot to be ignored. There has been no proof yet that mosquitoes can transmit HIV infection, but even that possibility can be reduced with this mosquito eater and it may help reduce the incidence of these other mosquito-borne diseases.

According to Consumers Reports magazine during the past decade, more than one million electric bug killers have been sold annually in the U.S. alone. Inventor Woodruff has been inventing for the last 30 years. He says he got into inventing while working in oceanography way back then. He was intrigued when he discovered that at one time electronic bug zappers were a $60 million annual business in America. Today the 37 companies that made up that "industry" are down to two. Woodruff figures it was because the public found the old models not that effective. He liked the efficiency of the spinning monofilament found on weed and grass trimmers and decided to follow that alley of development. With a suction fan added the prototype worked. After testing it next to a Sears Bugwacker, Woodruff realized he had hit the jackpot and DYNEX was born.

More information: Jim Woodruff, Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTER), #200 - 711 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-5249. Phone: 808/539-1518. Fax: 808/538-0677.

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