The “World’s First Phone with Ultrasonic Mosquito Away Technology” is on the market in India.
We were curious about this, so we consulted Bart Knols, a mosquito expert who received the 2006 Ig Nobel Prize in Biology “for showing that the female malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae is attracted equally to the smell of limburger cheese and to the smell of human feet.”
Knols cited a 2007 review of studies on Electronic mosquito repellents for preventing mosquito bites and malaria infection (EMRs). It found that:
“Field entomological studies confirm that EMRs have no effect on preventing mosquito bites. Therefore there is no justification for marketing them to prevent malaria infection.”
Literature provided by the smartphone’s maker on its ability to deter mosquitos claims that it may be effective against 1 type of mosquito (Aedes aegypti) when used in an enclosed space under laboratory conditions.
“Certified by IIBAT ※ Tested in a controlled laboratory setting ; results may very in actual use” [sic]
“Results may very in other setting, including but not limited to temperature, humidity location, space, mosquito species, number of Mosquitoes, number of persons, and operation time.” [sic]
Perhaps that is why the phone’s ad campaign says it provides, “Better Protection Against Mosquitos”, instead of simply writing, “Protection Against Mosquitoes”.
BONUS: High-frequency sounds HAVE been proved effective at deterring human teenagers. This has been been turned into a device for sale, which is called, “The Mosquito“.