2024-07-31 06:30:42
Qista is a French start-up that prevents mosquitoes from breeding and provides useful data on populations. And this, without insecticide! Explanation.
Summer is often synonymous with mosquito bites. Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite, after mating, to bring their eggs to maturity? And to locate humans, they follow an olfactory mixture, composed of the CO2 they release and the characteristic odor of their skin. The French start-up Qista[1]which sells mosquito suction terminals, explains: “ This is what the Qista terminal will reproduce by biomimicry. It first expels CO2 to reproduce the expiration of the human being and thanks to an olfactory lure, it reproduces the body odor of the human being. The female mosquito will detect this mixture of molecules, approach the terminal, be sucked in by the machine and find itself trapped in a net.
A pesticide-free terminal for less impact
The company was created in 2014 to offer an effective mosquito control solution that does not rely on pesticides or pheromones, in order to have a minimal impact on biodiversity. According to tests conducted over two years by the Tour du Valat, a research institute for the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands, the terminal would reduce the nuisance to humans by 88%. Every 10 minutes, we went from 15 to 1 sting in the middle of the Camargue “, assures Qista.
The company carries out a free, no-obligation implantation study to define the ideal location of the terminal on a plot of land and to define the mosquitoes to target. “There are two types of lure: one that is primarily intended for the tiger mosquito, and another intended for other mosquitoes.”explains Qista. The lure comes in the form of small bio-sourced balls, to be recharged every month. Tests have shown a selectivity rate that exceeds 90%, according to the company. However, there will be a few non-target insects that get sucked in as they pass by the terminal.
Two products for two wallets
Its flagship product, currently on sale to individuals and tourism professionals, is the Visio+ model, a connected trap launched in 2023. Controllable remotely from an application, it sends back capture data, starting at 1,338.90 euros. This new model reduces CO2 consumption: a 10 kg bottle now provides two months of autonomy, compared to one month previously, which is more economical for the customer.shares Qista. The system uses recycled CO2, from a methanization process.
In May 2024, the company released a new non-connected product, more accessible to the general public. Starting at 780 euros, it does not send back capture data. The two terminals are mainly made of recycled polypropylene. And 80% of the structure and electronic parts are sourced in France, the company claims.
Mapping mosquito presence
Different uses can be made with the data collected by the Visio+ terminal. The user will have access to mosquito capture rates. In collaboration with communities and governments, the data also makes it possible to map the presence of mosquitoes in a city or neighborhood, and to assess changes in mosquito emergence.
The city of Hyères, on the Mediterranean coast, is the company’s most beautiful showcase, with a fleet of 400 machines. Qista explains: “ We will thus be able to say that a development is abnormal, that a larval habitat has been created and it will thus be possible to treat it mechanically and effectively. It is a means of prevention in cities.”
The company is present in 36 territories, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, Senegal and the United Arab Emirates. 13,000 terminals are installed worldwide, 80% of which are in France. Our goal within 4 years is to conquer the international market to have 80% of terminals abroad and 20% in France.”shares Qista.
[1] The French start-up Qista
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