Could Google’s ‘Good’ Mosquitoes Eventually Come to Illinois?

Google has developed a new program called Debug that has one main mission: to kill off bad, disease-carrying mosquitoes and replace them with good ones. Now the big question is: how does it work (and how long will it take to reach Illinois)?

Worst Parts of Summer in Illinois

A lot of people in Illinois are jumping for joy that summer fun has finally returned, but not me. Here are three reasons why:

1. Humidity
2. Mosquitoes
3. Ticks

For the record, I'm not a complete summer hater. I love spending a warm summer day in my pool or on a boat, but when it gets so hot that my face is swelling and melting off, or I can't be outside without getting all the blood sucked out of me, I am done with summer.

READ MORE: Wisconsin Takes Action Against High Number of Tick Bites

Unless they're planning to move, Illinois residents can't do much about the humidity or massive tick populations this summer, but Google has an idea on how to stop the mosquitoes.

Yes, I said Google.

Google's New Debug Program

When I first read about this new Google mission to release 64 million 'good' mosquitoes into the United States, I thought, 'Yeah, OK.' Then I read more about it, and the idea is interesting.

Debug.com says:

Good bugs are the same species of mosquito as the bad bugs that spread disease. Our good bugs are male mosquitoes that have a naturally-occurring bacteria called Wolbachia which makes them unable to have offspring with wild female mosquitoes. Male mosquitoes can’t bite or spread disease, so good bugs will stop bad ones from reproducing. Over time, there will be fewer and fewer bad mosquitoes.

No more biting, disease-carrying mosquitoes? Sign me up!

The Debug program's goal is to begin releasing its good mosquitoes over the next two years, starting in Florida and California, but they still need to get the green light from the federal government.

Downside of Google's Debug Program

While the Debug program's initiative is beneficial, many people are worried about the effect releasing sterile male mosquitoes would have on the environment.

We may hate the little blood suckers, but mosquitoes do play some vital roles in the ecosystem:

• They are a vital food source for many animals like birds, bats, and fish.
• Both male and female mosquitoes pollinate flowering plants.
• Mosquito larvae feed on decaying organic matter and microorganisms in the water, which helps recycle nutrients back into the environment.

If the Debug program drastically reduces mosquito populations, could there be unintended environmental consequences?

Will the Debug Program Come to Illinois?

The short answer is: no.

The "good" mosquitoes aren't designed to spread across the country. The insects live relatively short lives and are being released in targeted areas to reduce problem mosquito populations. They won't be flying here from Florida or California.

Could a similar program eventually make its way to Illinois? Sure. If the Florida and California releases prove successful and receive long-term federal approval, more release sites could be added to Debug's list...but that will likely take years.

For now, Illinois residents can relax. The only mosquitoes heading our way this summer are the same annoying ones we've been swatting for decades. Better stock up on bug spray now...and try this: