SOUTH KONA, Hawaii – Struggling as an area of high risk for dengue fever since an outbreak began in September, South Kona communities are looking at the viability of a new tool in the fight against the mosquito-borne disease.

This week, Kona residents met with Michael Banfield, a biologist with a background in medical entomology. Banfield and his wife Jane founded SpringStar, a company located outside of Seattle, WA that manufactures and markets the Mosquito Trap-N-Kill™ (mosquitoscience.net). The lethal ovitrap is said to be “an economical, extremely simple, and effective method for controlling Aedes and Culex mosquito species” by luring the egg-laying female mosquito into a container and hitting it with a lethal dose of pesticide.

Banfield demonstrated the lethal ovitrap during a January 13 visit to Napo’opo’o Village. Banfield also spoke to the community during a meeting held at the Painted Church.

A single trap sells for about $8 retail. Community groups are getting bulk orders and that enable them to sell for $4.

As of January 15, there have been 223 locally-acquired cases of dengue fever counted on Hawaii Island.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Big Island Video News does not endorse commercial products. We are sharing this story as an information piece, documenting what is being proffered as alternative method for mosquito control during the dengue fever outbreak.