Entangling/Entrapping Synthetic Setae for Control of Insects and Other Pests

Description:

In nature, some beetle larvae possess specialized barbed hastate setae that serve as an entanglement defense mechanism and incapacitate other insects. CDC researchers have developed synthetic setae for control and entrapment of insects and other pests. While smaller synthetic setae can trap mosquitoes and small insects, larger “macro” setae can be used for entrapment of bats, rodents, etc. Once used, the setae can be "reset" by a vigorous shaking of the fabric. This solution to pest control would be long-lasting and non-toxic, with the additional benefit of avoiding the evolutionary selection of pesticide resistant organisms.