The problem
A reliable, safe, convenient, affordable and highly effective for mosquitos, and other flying insects, does not exist. This topic looks only at repellants for personal comfort, not as part of disease control.
Importance and scale
Each year, tens of millions of people are seriously irritated, annoyed and inconvenienced by mosquitos and similar “bugs”. There is the immediate seriously uncomfortable problem of the bugs in your hair, eyes, ears and nose. In addition, most people who are bitten suffer an aggravating degree of itching, swelling and discoloration of the skin. This severe inconvenience has multiple effects: reducing the tourist season for many wilderness resorts, parks and attractions, and adversely affecting the prices of recreational properties in many locations.
Canada has 47 national parks. The attendance at these national parks increased from 15.4 million to 16.8 million (a 9% increase) 2016-17 to 2017-18. Ed Jager, director of visitor experience for Parks Canada, said that two million people signed up for email updates and notices about park programs after the Canada 150 free entry offer. This has resulted in more people buying national park annual passes because compared to other recreational options, “spend[ing] a day in one of the most beautiful places on the entire planet… [for a small entry fee is] a pretty good deal.” Furthermore, more Canadians are buying recreational properties and spending more time living there, according to a 2018 Re/Max survey. The report found that cottage prices have increased by 13% in the last year, with Canadian seniors being the main driving force. These trends point to an increased need for effective mosquito repellents.
According to a 2016 Allied Market Research report, the global mosquito repellent market is expected to grow to $4.8 billion by 2022.
Additional project details
More information about this project will be shared during the kickoff meeting. Students will receive all the details they need at that time.