Could we eradicate mosquitoes?

Question

Researchers have proposed the application of CRISPR/Cas9 and [gene drive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_drive) to genetically alter wild mosquito populations such that they don't transmit malaria. The government of New Zealand has announced a [program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predator_Free_2050) to eliminate several invasive mammals from that island, also using gene drive (among other things). Could we use this technology to completely eradicate from the world all species of mosquito that prey on humans? Also, could we accurately predict the extent of the resulting ecological disruption so we could decide if it was worth it?

Answer 1

Technically, you could us gene editing to create a strain of mosquitoes that only produce male offspring, or have genetic defect that makes them sterile. A study published in 2014 called "A synthetic sex ratio disruption system for the control of human malaria mosquito", examines the use of this technology, and found it could manipulate the sex ratio so that it was about 95% male.

The effects on the ecology could be predicted through the use of ecological models, which would take population dynamics into account; however, more research would be necessary to dermine what mosquitoes contribute to the ecosystem to make these models more accurate. For example, how would their eradication affect species, such as lizards or bats, who include mosquitoes in their diet? This is something research would need to understand better before making a decision.