Researchers develop mosquito-blocking knit garment

Researchers at the Wilson College of Textiles, part of North Carolina State University, have created a seamless knitted garment that blocks mosquito bites without using insecticides. The project, led by Andre West, Director of The Zeis Textile Extension, combines mathematical modelling of mosquito anatomy with advanced WHOLEGARMENT knitting to design fabrics that physically prevent biting while remaining comfortable and flame resistant for military applications.

The team developed geometric models to identify safe combinations of pore size and fabric thickness that stop mosquitoes from reaching the skin during landing and probing. Using these parameters, they produced AiryPique knit fabrics and evaluated performance through laboratory tests using Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In arm-in-cage trials, the AiryPique fabrics successfully prevented blood feeding while still attracting high mosquito landings.

To move from fabric samples to a wearable product, the team selected a Nomex and Protex C yarn blend and knitted a complete shirt using WHOLEGARMENT technology, removing the need for traditional cut-and-sew construction. In walk-in cage experiments involving about 200 host-seeking mosquitoes and stationary human volunteers over a 20-minute period, the garment delivered very high bite protection, with only a few bites recorded across repeated tests.