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PAPER WORK

ON

ELECTRONIC MOSQUITO REPELLENT

PREPARED BY-

YASH SONI

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Abstract

Control of mosquitoes is something of utmost importance in the present day with rising number of

mosquito borne illness. Specially products like mosquito repellant used to combat mosquitos are

required. This project proposal presents the design and testing of an electronic mosquito repellant.

The project is aimed at developing a device that is capable of emitting ultrasonic energy is varied

frequencies. These frequencies do affect the auditory senses of pests such as mosquitoes, rodents,

avian and nocturnal insects by making them uncomfortable in their abode. However, these

frequencies do not affect the hearing ability of humans. The mosquito repellant circuit generates an

ultrasonic sound with a high output frequency that allows spreading mosquitoes within a wide

radius. The circuit is quite simple and require few external components. The oscillation frequency

is given by the value of the resistors and capacitor components.

The actual oscillation frequency of this electronic mosquito repellent is above 20 KHz so what is

needed is a good high frequency speaker, example being a piezo speaker.

The electronic mosquito repellent circuit can be supplied from a 1.5 V DC power supply.

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1.0 CHAPTER ONE

1.1.1 BACKGROUND

Malaria affects more than 250 million people and causes more than a million deaths each year

(WHO 2005). One important control strategy against this and other mosquito-borne diseases is

mosquito control, which aims to reduce human mosquito contact.

Different control measures are used routinely against mosquitoes and their larvae, including

chemical (e.g. insecticide), biological (e.g. larviovus fish or pathogenic fungi), environmental (e.g.

land filling or drainage), and personal protection (e.g. mosquito repellents formulated as pills,

coils, ointments, lotions, sprays; and insecticide-treated or untreated bed nets).

Electronic mosquito repellents (EMRs) are marketed in response to a huge demand from the public

for convenient, safe, and effective anti-mosquito products. Female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit

malaria by sucking blood from humans, and these small hand held, battery-powered EMRs are

intended to repel them by emitting a high frequency buzz almost inaudible to the human ear.

They can be used both indoors and outdoors, and are claimed to repel mosquitoes within a range of

up to 2.5 meters.

Some of EMRs seem to be based on known aspects of mosquito behavior, while others have no

scientific data to substantiate their claims. Manufacturers have put forward at least two reasons to

explain the alleged repellent action of sound against mosquitos.

One reason is that the flight sound of males repels females once they have been inseminated hence,

whatever mimics the male’s flight sound may repel females. However, research has shown that

male mosquitoes are actually the ones attracted by the female flight sound and females normally

have a very weak sensitivity for sound compared with the males.

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1.1.2 INTRODUCTION

An electronic insect repellent is a safer alternative compared to toxic insect repellent. These are

electronic devices that have either electromagnetic or ultra sound waves to repel insects like

mosquitoes and roaches. The effectiveness of these devices has not been clearly established but the

numerous studies for experiments have shown that these electrical devices are indeed effective in

repelling or eliminating pests.

Some examples of electronic insects repellents are plug in electronic repellents, ultrasonic

transmitters and the electromagnetic lamps. These electronic pest control devices are very

affordable. And despite the fact that they have been around for more than two decades, they have

just recently been acknowledged worldwide because of their environmentally friendly claims.

Apart from this, they have also been proven to be less noticeable and cumbersome. The absence of

stinking spray repellants is truly a blessing by itself.

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1.1.3 Statement of the Problem

Mosquitoes, in addition to already annoyed, also carriers of pathogens that cause harm to

human beings. Which normally we get rid of mosquitoes with chemicals. It has worked

great, but if you use it regularly, it affects our body naturally.

Due to frequent use of chemicals in the institution to repel mosquitoes, I decided to come

up with this kind of project to avoid pollution of the environment which may result to

respiratory diseases.

The project is designed and created in which the mosquito repellent circuit generates an

ultrasonic sound with a high output frequency that allows spreading mosquitoes within a

wide radius. The circuit is quite simple and require few external components. The

oscillation frequency is given by the value of components or replacing the fixed resistor.

The actual oscillation frequency of this electronic mosquito repellent is above 20KHz, so

what is needed is to use a good high frequency speaker, you can use a piezo speaker.

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1.2 OBJECTIVES

1.2.1 Specific Objectives

To develop an electronic device for mosquito control that generates multiple frequencies of

oscillation.

1.2.2 General Objectives

To assess whether Electronic Mosquito Repellents (EMRs) prevents mosquito bites.

To assess evidence of impact on malaria infection.

To prevent allergic reactions from mosquito bites.

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1.3 Scope

The general description of the project is to develop a circuit that produces a tone above the human

audible range and this is supposed to keep the mosquitoes away

The mosquito repellent circuit generates an ultrasonic sound with a high output frequency that

allows spreading mosquitoes within a wide radius. The circuits is quite simple and require few

components.

1.4 Justification

From the problem definition, the electronic mosquito repellent (EMRs) will be better in that:

1. It is not audible from humans so no interference.

2. No heart diseases occur compared to liquid Mosquito Repellents.

3. No need to Plug-in to switch board.

4. No environmental pollution

5. Reduction in malaria infections.

6. Reduction in allergic reactions from mosquito bites

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2.0 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

Electronic mosquito repellents (EMRs) are marketed in response to a huge demand from the

public for convenient, safe, and effective antimosquito products. Female Anopheles mosquitoes

transmit malaria by sucking blood from humans, and these small handheld,battery-powered

EMRs are intended to repel them by emitting a high frequency buzz almost inaudible to the

human ear.

They can be used both indoors and outdoors, and are claimed to repel mosquitoes within a range

of up to 2.5 metres (Kutz 1974;Helson 1977). No adverse effects have been reported in the

literature.Mobile phone companies also market a ring tone that is claimed to repel mosquitoes

within a one-metre radius (BBC 2003).Some of the EMRs seem to be based on known aspects of

mosquito behaviour, while others have no scientific data to substantiate their claims.

Manufacturers have put forward at least two reasons to explain the alleged repellent action of

sound against mosquitoes.One reason is that the flight sound of males repels females once

they have been inseminated (Foster 1985); hence,whatever mimics the males’ flight sound may

repel females. However, research has shown that male mosquitoes are actually the ones attracted

by the female flight sound and females normally have a very weak sensitivity for sound

compared with the males (Wigglesworth 1965; Chapman 1982; McIver 1985; Michelsen 1985).

Another reason is that mosquitoes avoid the ultrasonic cries of bats (Foster 1985). Although both

explanations may be conceivable, there is no published scientific information to support either

idea.Different brands of EMRs have been examined for their efficacy under laboratory

conditions, none of which showed any effects for the devices tested (Singleton 1977; Curtis

1982; Iglisch 1983;Foster 1985; Jensen 2000; Andrade 2001; Cabrini 2006). There are review

articles concluding that the EMRs are ineffective in repelling mosquitoes(Coro 1998; Coro

2000). Scientific skepticism over the last 30 years and a successful prosecution of EMR sellers

under the UK Trade Description Act in 1980s (Curtis 1994; BBC 2005) seems to have done little

to deter manufacturers marketing EMRs and the people who buy them. This is a concern because

it is likely to lead to consumers not using other protective methods that are proven to work. This

could result in an increased risk of infection with mosquito-borne diseases, especially malaria

(Jensen 2000).Despite the scientific view and research findings, EMRs are still widely promoted

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and used by the public.The project therefore tries to review all reliable research about the effects

of high pitched sounds in preventing mosquito bites and, hence, to assess whether there is any

evidence that EMRs have any potential in preventing malaria in the field setting.

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3.0 CHAPTER THREE 3.1 METHODOLOGY

3.1.1 Circuit Design

The aim of this project is to design and test an Electronic Mosquito Repellent. The approach

is that mosquito repellent circuit will generate an ultrasonic sound with a high output

frequency that allows spreading mosquitoes within a wide radius .The circuit is quite simple

and require few external components. The oscillation frequency is given by the value of the

resistors and a capacitor values.

The actual oscillation frequency of the electronic mosquito repellent is around (20-65 KHz) so there

should be a good high frequency speaker.

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3.2 CHOICE OF DESIGN

When compared, the general insect repellents that is sold in the market, the type of insect spray

pesticides works only on mosquitoes and cockroaches, while the electricity is able to get rid of

mosquitoes and flies and sometimes even ants. For all the use is not fully effective repel pests

from interfering with users.The function of the electronic mosquito repellent is the most effective

way to address this problem. This system is a type of insect repellents for the needs of each user

who have problems during sleep or in any situation.

In general, animal and other living creatures have a limited hearing range, which in other words,

frequency that they can be heard is limited. Similar to human, we cannot hear low frequency

sound below 64 Hz and also annoyed with high frequency sound which above 23 kHz. Based on

the theory, animal like mosquitoes and cockroaches will be annoyed with some high frequency

sound that is different compared to human.The table below shows various species hearing range:

Species Approximate Range (Hz)

Human 64-23,000

Dog 67-45,000

Cat 45-64,000

Cow 23-35,000

Rat 200-76,000

Mouse 1,000-91,000

Bat 2,000-110,000

Owl 200-12,000

Chicken 125-2,000

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3.3 THE PROCESS FLOWCHART

The following flowchart is the process of production of Electronic Mosquito Repellent project

from the beginning until the final production.

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Design Electronic Mosquito

Repellent schematic circuit.

Determine the component

used based on the terminal

voltage and the frequency

need to be generated.

Run the simulation using a

software to check whether the

circuit can function as

expected.

Connect the circuit on the

breadboard to test run the

hardware manually.

Modifying the prototype hardware

many times to function as in the

simulation.

Connect prototype hardware in the

circuit board and solder the

components on the board.

Test running and modifying the

hardware until it functions well.

Final product has been achieved.

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4.0 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 DESIGN

4.1.1 THE HARDWARE SUBSYSTEMS

The design of the essential components of the project are treated here. There function and mode of

operation, which are not treated in chapter 3, will be presented here.

Basically the circuit employs a 1.5 V DC power supply that powers the components.

4.1.2 BUDGET ESTIMATE

ITEM AMOUNT(Rs.)

General Purpose board 30

100K resistor (2) 5

1.5K resistor (2) 5

560pF Capacitor (2) 10

0.002uF Capacitor (2) 10

2SC9013 Transistor (2) 20

On-Off Switch (1) 20

Piezo Speaker (1) 20

1.5V AA battery 25

TOTAL 145

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5.0 CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 SYSTEM TESTING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION

5.1.1 SYSTEM TESTING

Testing is a vital process in the development and realization of any design, be it hardware based,

software based or both. The various components and their circuitry has to be tested to ensure that

all the components on board are certified okay and in good working condition. The components

that does not give the required output specification are isolated and troubleshooted to determine

the nature and cause of the component failure through careful analysis, that is examination of the

working principles of the component(s)

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6.0 CHAPTER SIX

6.1 CONCLUSION

6.1.1 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED

In the course of the design and test of this project, some problems were encountered. They are

• Getting some of the components proved had in the market, for instance a Piezo

diaphragm that will respond to 15 KHz was very difficult to find.

• Component Failures.

• Short Circuitry.

• Oscilloscope failure to run in the simulation, it had some setbacks.

The mentioned problems were later taken care of during the design processes and testing of this

project.

6.1.2 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT

However, the project is still not reach full complete functions as it can be improved. There are

many ways to improve the circuit of which includes:

To put sensor and led lights in the circuit to detect mosquitoes so that we will be able to

know when there are mosquitoes all around us. It is also able to prove that this circuit

works well because if the led light does not work that means the area is safe from the

mosquitoes.

In addition, we can use direct current and the battery charger circuit. Thus, this circuit can

operate during blacks out because usually mosquitoes are attracted to dark places.

Next, we can improve by enlarging the field to repel mosquitoes so we can use a circuit

covering a large area.

In addition, this circuit could apply to another system and it is not limited to mosquitoes

only if the frequency is modified. Modifying the frequency will produce a sound that can

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easier detect any other animal not only mosquitoes such as produce the siren or yap

dog sound.

Using microcontrollers and ultrasonic sensors to transmit the sound in a special band

of frequency

6.1.3 CONCLUSION

Preliminary results obtained from the preliminary performance evaluation revealed that

the device has the potential to eliminate mosquitoes.

This circuit or project can be helpful in domestic area by keeping the mosquitoes away using a

high frequency sound produced by the circuit.

For the success of this project, proper method to design and construct the circuit has been taken

into consideration. Proteus 8 Professional software simulation tool is used to simulate the

circuit inside a computer. After that, the circuit is connected to a breadboard to test run the

project before transferring the circuit to a circuit board.

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REFERENCES

1.Electronic pests control, retrieved November 24, 2012 from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_pest_control

2.Strauss WG, Maibach HI and Khan AA. Drugs and disease as mosquito repellents in man.

Am. J Trop Med Hyg. 1968;17(3):461–464.

3.Enayati AA, Hemingway J and Garner P. Electronic mosquito repellents for preventing

mosquito bites and malaria infection,Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;18: 34-42.

4.A. P. Meehan, 1976. Attempts to influence the feeding behavior of brown rats using

ultrasonic noise generators. International Pest Control. July/August.

5.G. Elert 1998-2012, the nature of sound (the physics hypertextbook) Retrieved October 12,

2012 from www.hypertbook/physics.info/sound

6.Suman Gupta and A. K. Dikshit, Biopesticides: An eco-friendly approach for pest control,

Journal of Biopesticides 3(1 Special Issue) 186 - 188 (2010) 186

7.Simple Electronic. (2011) “Electronic Mosquito Repellent Circuit Using 555”. [Online].

Available:http://www.simple-electronics.com/2011/09/electronic-mosquito-repellent-

circuit.html

8.Just Technika. (2011) “Electronic Mosquito Repellent [Circuit Diagram]”. [Online].

Available

: http://justtechnika.com/articles/eltronic-mosquito-repellent-circuit-diagram/

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