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What is the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)?SIT is a biological pest control method that involves releasing large numbers of sterile male insects into the wild. These sterile males mate with wild females, producing no offspring, leading to a decline in the target insect population given the female insect, as happens with mosquitoes, typically mate only once in its lifetime..
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Is SIT safe for humans, pets, and the environment?Yes, SIT is considered safe for humans, pets, and the environment. Unlike chemical insecticides, SIT targets only the specific insect population without harming beneficial insects or contaminating the ecosystem.
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Does adding mosquitos to the environment not increase risk of disease?No, adding sterile male mosquitoes to the environment does not increase the risk of disease. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a proven method for reducing mosquito populations, which in turn lowers the risk of transmission for mosquito-borne diseases. Here's how it works: Sterile Males: The sterile male mosquitoes released through SIT are incapable of reproducing. Outcompeting Wild Males: These sterile males mate with wild female mosquitoes, preventing them from producing offspring. Population Reduction: Over time, this leads to a significant reduction in the overall mosquito population. With fewer mosquitoes, the chances of disease transmission decrease dramatically. Therefore, SIT is a safe and effective strategy for combating mosquito-borne illnesses.
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Is it really effective ? Did you release sterile mosquitoes and it works ?Yes! By now Senecio released sterile male mosquitoes at hundreds of locations with great success. We have had paying municipalities as well as paying residents, receiving great feedback on reduction in mosquito biting-pressure. Visit our Testimonial page to hear what they say about Senecio's service.
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Did you manage to reduce mosquito populations at municipalities?Yes. We have been working with multiple municipalities to date, and all have provided positive feedback on a reduction in mosquito complaints. This is a key metric that municipalities use to gauge the effectiveness of their pest control efforts citywide. To learn more about the specific outcomes we've achieved, please see below our testimonials from municipal partners:
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How does the public typically react to the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)?The public generally embraces SIT as a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mosquito control methods. Many people appreciate the positive impact that SIT has on public health and the environment. Children in our kindergarten clients often say that the sterile mosquitoes are "good mosquitoes" or "our friends", highlighting the positive perception and educational opportunities that SIT programs can provide.
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How much time does it take to treat a house?It takes less than 5 minutes to treat a single house, allowing a single technician to address up to about 100 drop sites per day.
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Should the client be home while releasing the mosquitoes?No. Most of our clients were actually not at home during the releases, as long as there is some access to the desired protected area. Such access can even be above an existing fence from the outside of the house.
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How does Senecio's technology differ from other SIT methods?Senecio's technology is unique due to its automation and scalability. Our AI-powered robotic systems significantly reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, making SIT a commercially viable option.
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How much area can one SIT HUB cover?One hub can cover up to 10,000 residentials (private houses), which in the US average $100-150 per month of service. Larger hubs can be designed and delivered upon request.
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Can I customize the Senecio SIT Station to fit my specific needs?Yes, Senecio offers flexible modular options to tailor the SIT HUB to your specific needs. For instance, you can acquire just the robotic sorter as a standalone device.
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Which mosquito species can the hub address?Currently we identify, monitor and separate: Ae. albopictus - a known vector of chikungunya virus, dengue virus and dirofilariasis C. pipiens- carrier of West Nile virus, Saint Louis encephalitis viruses, avian malaria, and filarial worms Ae. aegypti - dengue virus, yellow fever virus, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus A. crucians - A mosquito of the anopheles family which is responsible for the malaria transmission.
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What happens if I encounter technical issues with the SIT Station?Senecio provides dedicated technical support to address any issues that may arise. Our team of experts is available to assist you remotely or on-site if needed.
-
Can I visit an existing Senecio SIT Station to see it in operation?Yes, we offer site visits to our SIT HUB in Israel to give you a firsthand look at the technology and its operation.
-
Can the mosquitos be dispersed from the air?We have tested and patented various release systems, based on a sequential release of cartridges. We offer solutions for ground, drone and aircraft release. Our modular drone release system can carry up to some 200,000 mosquitoes per flight, with the smallest option releasing some 20,000 mosquitoes per flight for low weight drones.
-
Is the technology exclusive and protected?We are first to market with a commercial product offering unparalleled output of millions a day (300 per second), and extensive patent protection including 30 granted patents covering AI, sorting, packaging, release and mission planning.
-
Can I also use Wolbachia or other sterilization methods?Yes, the Senecio Hub is a versatile AI & Robotics platform designed for the highly efficient production and packaging of millions of mosquitoes. Our system is agnostic to the sterilization method, though we see particular advantages in using irradiation. The sorting module supports population replacement strategies using the Wolbachia method, where both male and female mosquitoes are counted and packaged for release. Irradiation Advantages: Our unique approach involves packing mosquitoes at the adult stage and then irradiating them. This ensures they remain healthy and competitive after release, as evidenced by positive feedback from numerous clients over the past few years.
-
What is your business model?Senecio Robotics partners with local businesses to establish and operate SIT hubs in their regions. We provide a turnkey solution, including: Facility Design and Setup: We collaborate with you to design and build a state-of-the-art SIT hub tailored to your anticipated production volume. Comprehensive Training: Our team provides extensive training to your staff, ensuring they are proficient in operating and maintaining the hub. Ongoing Support: We offer continuous technical support and assistance to ensure the smooth operation of your hub. Partnership & Payment Structure: Investment: As our partner, you will invest in the facility and cover recurring annual fees. Flexible Terms: The specific terms of the partnership, including payment details, are determined through mutual agreement.
-
What is the initial investment required to set up a Senecio SIT Station?The initial investment varies depending on the size of the station and specific requirements. We offer flexible financing options to suit different budgets.
-
How soon can I start operating the hub?Typically, you'll be able to start selling within the next season following your order.
-
What kind of training and support does Senecio provide?Senecio offers comprehensive training programs to equip your staff with the necessary skills to operate and maintain the SIT Station. Our dedicated support team provides ongoing assistance and troubleshooting.
-
What is the expected timeline for achieving profitability?ROI can be achieved within 1-2 years depending on scale.
-
Do I need any specific permits or licenses to operate a Senecio SIT Station?Regulatory requirements may vary depending on your location, however SIT is Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) so there shouldn't be any regulatory barriers.
-
What are the ongoing operational costs of a Senecio SIT Station?Operational costs include electricity, labor, maintenance, and mosquito rearing supplies. Senecio provides detailed cost estimates to help you plan your budget. Leveraging automation and efficiency of the process, we managed to reduce operational costs which are typically mostly made of human labor to minimum, with less than one full time employee per each millions sterile males (!), and we keep on optimising it.
-
Can I partner with existing pest control companies or government agencies?Absolutely! Senecio encourages partnerships with local businesses and organisations. We can provide support in developing mutually beneficial collaborations.
-
What is the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)?SIT is a biological pest control method that involves releasing large numbers of sterile male insects into the wild. These sterile males mate with wild females, producing no offspring, leading to a decline in the target insect population given the female insect, as happens with mosquitoes, typically mate only once in its lifetime..
-
Is SIT safe for humans, pets, and the environment?Yes, SIT is considered safe for humans, pets, and the environment. Unlike chemical insecticides, SIT targets only the specific insect population without harming beneficial insects or contaminating the ecosystem.
-
Does adding mosquitos to the environment not increase risk of disease?No, adding sterile male mosquitoes to the environment does not increase the risk of disease. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a proven method for reducing mosquito populations, which in turn lowers the risk of transmission for mosquito-borne diseases. Here's how it works: Sterile Males: The sterile male mosquitoes released through SIT are incapable of reproducing. Outcompeting Wild Males: These sterile males mate with wild female mosquitoes, preventing them from producing offspring. Population Reduction: Over time, this leads to a significant reduction in the overall mosquito population. With fewer mosquitoes, the chances of disease transmission decrease dramatically. Therefore, SIT is a safe and effective strategy for combating mosquito-borne illnesses.
-
Is it really effective ? Did you release sterile mosquitoes and it works ?Yes! By now Senecio released sterile male mosquitoes at hundreds of locations with great success. We have had paying municipalities as well as paying residents, receiving great feedback on reduction in mosquito biting-pressure. Visit our Testimonial page to hear what they say about Senecio's service.
-
Did you manage to reduce mosquito populations at municipalities?Yes. We have been working with multiple municipalities to date, and all have provided positive feedback on a reduction in mosquito complaints. This is a key metric that municipalities use to gauge the effectiveness of their pest control efforts citywide. To learn more about the specific outcomes we've achieved, please see below our testimonials from municipal partners:
-
How does the public typically react to the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)?The public generally embraces SIT as a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mosquito control methods. Many people appreciate the positive impact that SIT has on public health and the environment. Children in our kindergarten clients often say that the sterile mosquitoes are "good mosquitoes" or "our friends", highlighting the positive perception and educational opportunities that SIT programs can provide.
-
How much time does it take to treat a house?It takes less than 5 minutes to treat a single house, allowing a single technician to address up to about 100 drop sites per day.
-
Should the client be home while releasing the mosquitoes?No. Most of our clients were actually not at home during the releases, as long as there is some access to the desired protected area. Such access can even be above an existing fence from the outside of the house.
-
How does Senecio's technology differ from other SIT methods?Senecio's technology is unique due to its automation and scalability. Our AI-powered robotic systems significantly reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, making SIT a commercially viable option.
-
How much area can one SIT HUB cover?One hub can cover up to 10,000 residentials (private houses), which in the US average $100-150 per month of service. Larger hubs can be designed and delivered upon request.
-
Can I customize the Senecio SIT Station to fit my specific needs?Yes, Senecio offers flexible modular options to tailor the SIT HUB to your specific needs. For instance, you can acquire just the robotic sorter as a standalone device.
-
Which mosquito species can the hub address?Currently we identify, monitor and separate: Ae. albopictus - a known vector of chikungunya virus, dengue virus and dirofilariasis C. pipiens- carrier of West Nile virus, Saint Louis encephalitis viruses, avian malaria, and filarial worms Ae. aegypti - dengue virus, yellow fever virus, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus A. crucians - A mosquito of the anopheles family which is responsible for the malaria transmission.
-
What happens if I encounter technical issues with the SIT Station?Senecio provides dedicated technical support to address any issues that may arise. Our team of experts is available to assist you remotely or on-site if needed.
-
Can I visit an existing Senecio SIT Station to see it in operation?Yes, we offer site visits to our SIT HUB in Israel to give you a firsthand look at the technology and its operation.
-
Can the mosquitos be dispersed from the air?We have tested and patented various release systems, based on a sequential release of cartridges. We offer solutions for ground, drone and aircraft release. Our modular drone release system can carry up to some 200,000 mosquitoes per flight, with the smallest option releasing some 20,000 mosquitoes per flight for low weight drones.
-
Is the technology exclusive and protected?We are first to market with a commercial product offering unparalleled output of millions a day (300 per second), and extensive patent protection including 30 granted patents covering AI, sorting, packaging, release and mission planning.
-
Can I also use Wolbachia or other sterilization methods?Yes, the Senecio Hub is a versatile AI & Robotics platform designed for the highly efficient production and packaging of millions of mosquitoes. Our system is agnostic to the sterilization method, though we see particular advantages in using irradiation. The sorting module supports population replacement strategies using the Wolbachia method, where both male and female mosquitoes are counted and packaged for release. Irradiation Advantages: Our unique approach involves packing mosquitoes at the adult stage and then irradiating them. This ensures they remain healthy and competitive after release, as evidenced by positive feedback from numerous clients over the past few years.
-
What is your business model?Senecio Robotics partners with local businesses to establish and operate SIT hubs in their regions. We provide a turnkey solution, including: Facility Design and Setup: We collaborate with you to design and build a state-of-the-art SIT hub tailored to your anticipated production volume. Comprehensive Training: Our team provides extensive training to your staff, ensuring they are proficient in operating and maintaining the hub. Ongoing Support: We offer continuous technical support and assistance to ensure the smooth operation of your hub. Partnership & Payment Structure: Investment: As our partner, you will invest in the facility and cover recurring annual fees. Flexible Terms: The specific terms of the partnership, including payment details, are determined through mutual agreement.
-
What is the initial investment required to set up a Senecio SIT Station?The initial investment varies depending on the size of the station and specific requirements. We offer flexible financing options to suit different budgets.
-
How soon can I start operating the hub?Typically, you'll be able to start selling within the next season following your order.
-
What kind of training and support does Senecio provide?Senecio offers comprehensive training programs to equip your staff with the necessary skills to operate and maintain the SIT Station. Our dedicated support team provides ongoing assistance and troubleshooting.
-
What is the expected timeline for achieving profitability?ROI can be achieved within 1-2 years depending on scale.
-
Do I need any specific permits or licenses to operate a Senecio SIT Station?Regulatory requirements may vary depending on your location, however SIT is Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) so there shouldn't be any regulatory barriers.
-
What are the ongoing operational costs of a Senecio SIT Station?Operational costs include electricity, labor, maintenance, and mosquito rearing supplies. Senecio provides detailed cost estimates to help you plan your budget. Leveraging automation and efficiency of the process, we managed to reduce operational costs which are typically mostly made of human labor to minimum, with less than one full time employee per each millions sterile males (!), and we keep on optimising it.
-
Can I partner with existing pest control companies or government agencies?Absolutely! Senecio encourages partnerships with local businesses and organisations. We can provide support in developing mutually beneficial collaborations.
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