Google-backed initiative seeks to release 32 million mosquitoes in 2 states for disease control

What’s the best way to combat mosquito-borne diseases? Apparently, releasing more of the bloodsuckers, according to a Google-backed initiative.

The Debug project is seeking permission from the Environmental Protection Agency to release up to 32 million sterilized mosquitoes in both Florida and California over two years, according to a May 6 EPA notice.

Often carrying diseases like malaria, Zika and dengue, mosquitoes kill more people compared to other species, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Debug uses the naturally occurring bacteria Wolbachia to sterilize male mosquitoes, which cannot bite and do not transmit diseases. The eggs produced from wild female mosquitoes’ singular mating with sterilized male mosquitoes do not hatch, therefore slowing the reproduction of…