The varnish contains the active ingredient permethrin. “When a mosquito lands on the new transparent top layer, the permethrin is absorbed by the mosquito’s legs and overstimulates the insect’s nervous system, causing it to detach or fall off,” the paint manufacturer said in a statement. Permethrin is also used in fabrics for mosquito nets and protective clothing, according to AkzoNobel.
The varnish is made to repel the yellow fever mosquito. It is responsible for the spread of dengue, which is a major problem in Brazil this year, among other things. The mosquitoes can also transmit the Zika virus. At the moment, AkzoNobel’s new product is only available in Brazil, but there are plans to launch it in other countries as well.
The yellow fever mosquito occurs in tropical areas but is also regularly found in the Netherlands. They probably hitch a ride on imported car tires and bamboo plants. The yellow fever mosquito, which stings mainly during the day, is 3 to 4 millimeters in size. This exotic mosquito is dark colored and has white stripes on the legs.