The Ochomogo, Cartago-based paint company, Celco, has developed a unique product that may help in the battle against potentially fatal mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and zika.

Costa Rican chemists, biochemists and pharmacists joined together to create a paint formula that repels insects and interferes with their reproduction including the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that can carry these viruses.

After over two and a half years of research and development, the Chazz-Chazz latex paint for interiors is on the market in Costa Rica. The company says the product weakens and repels many types of insects and mites.

“The micro-encapsulation system allows a slow release of the active ingredient and regulators of insect growth, progressively up to 12 months. It is not toxic to mammals and is free of lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium,” said Jessica Chamorro, director of research and development at Celco, Costa Rica.

Quesada added that insects that come in contact with the paint will generate weak and unviable larvae, which will give a more thorough protection from insects.

The Costa Rican Ministry of Health’s vector control program validated and certified the efficacy of Celco’s paint through a series of field tests on mosquito colonies. The anti-insect effects are active for a year after the pain is applied, said Celco.

The company is donating paint to the Clemente Avendaño School in Ujarrás, Paraíso, Cartago to aid in controlling mosquitos which, due to the school’s proximity to the Cachi reservoir, have been a persistent problem at the institution.

The product has been introduced in the market with a price of ¢9,900.00 colones per gallon (about $17) and ¢43,900.00 colones (about $77) for a five-gallon bucket, the prices do not include sales tax.

The anti-insect paint is being offered initially in the following colors: white, off-white, ivory, mint, terracotta, and aquamarine.

While the product is recommended for interiors, it can also be used for exteriors, said the company.