750 million genetically modified mosquitoes are about to be released across the Florida Keys!
A British-based firm designed them as an alternative to pesticides to control and prevent the spread of diseases including Zika.
The male mosquito will produce female offspring and then die shortly after the larval stage. The male mosquitoes do not need to bite for blood but instead feed on nectar.
This will be the first time genetically engineered mosquitoes will be released anywhere in the US. Many people are worried about a safety plan aka backup plan in case this doesn’t work. Some scientists are concerned that this will create a hybrid mosquito which will make them immune against pesticides.
*This story was originally posted by Wild 94.1
Katherine Viloria is Beasley Media Group's Fort Myers Digital Content Manager. She loves to write, snap photos, and watch Grey's Anatomy. Connect with her on Instagram @alittlethisalittlekat