Habitat For Humanity's Dissolving Posters Decimate Mosquitoes

Contrary to all those sun-drenched images of Copacabana beach, it actually rains a lot in Brazil - with the resulting standing water creating a perfect breeding ground for mosquito larvae.  

With outbreaks of zika, dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya on the rise, Brazilian NGO Habitat For Humanity has come up with a simple, cheap and ingenious outdoor campaign, which makes use of the country's frequent rainfall to protect people from mosquito-borne diseases.

Working with BETC Brazil and local artists, Habitat created a series of educational posters which work on two levels. On sunny days, they operate like regular posters, displaying tips and advice for preventing the spread of mosquitoes, such as putting sand in plates under plants. But when it rains, the posters, which are made from soluble rice paper sheets, literally dissolve to release a powerful yet environmental friendly larvicide that kills the bugs before they hatch.

Environmentally friendly and non-toxic to animals and humans, the resulting solution lasts for up to 60 days, with one single poster capable of treating 200 litres of water.

The campaign will initially roll out across those afflicted communities in Brazil where Habitat For Humanity operates, with the goal of eventually offering an international solution to other countries facing similar problems.