Radiation

Male mosquitoes are irradiated to make them sterile. Recent field trials have been done in Italy and on Réunion Island, a French possession in the Indian Ocean. The method has been used to combat fruit flies and other pests.

Advantages The UN’S atomic agency offers technology and training free of charge to governments.

Drawbacks No facilities exist in Zika-affected areas. Radiation must be calibrated to avoid leaving mosquitoes too weak to mate.