Google’s parent company Alphabet is seeking federal approval to release up to 32 million specially treated mosquitoes across parts of Florida and California as part of an effort to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, according to reports and regulatory filings.
The targeted species is the Culex mosquito, a primary carrier of diseases including West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis. West Nile remains the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States, and health authorities continue monitoring outbreaks in several regions.
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The proposal comes through Verily, which launched its Debug initiative in 2016 to develop technologies aimed at controlling disease-carrying mosquito populations. The company has submitted its plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under an experimental use permit currently under review. Public comments on the proposal remain open through early June.
The initiative focuses on releasing male mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium. When infected males mate with wild female mosquitoes that do not carry the same strain, the resulting eggs fail to hatch, gradually reducing local mosquito populations over time.
Because only female mosquitoes bite humans, officials say the releases would not increase the number of biting mosquitoes.
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Verily plans to use artificial intelligence-powered mosquito sorting systems, automated breeding technology and specialized release platforms to support the large-scale operation. If approved, the project would release up to 16 million mosquitoes in each state annually over two years.
Previous Wolbachia-based mosquito control programs in locations including Singapore and parts of Florida have reported reductions in mosquito populations, though the larger proposed deployment has also prompted debate over ecological impacts and long-term effectiveness.
Federal regulators are expected to review public feedback before deciding whether to authorize the project.