BugOut
Initiated in 2017 on Virgin Gorda, this internationally recognised community-driven programme has successfully suppressed the invasive, disease-causing Aedes aegypti mosquito by 98%. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes cause diseases such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Innovation, education, clean-ups and community participation are integrated into safe, data-driven integrated vector control operations. We continue to partner with the Government to expand mosquito awareness and community action throughout the BVI.
How we do it
SAFE VECTOR CONTROL
Driven by our Community Vector Control Officers and developed by some of the world’s best minds on mosquito control efforts, we work to deliver effective, state-of-the-art, and environmentally safe mosquito control efforts. This includes minimal use of chemical interventions, such as eco-friendly larvicides, clean-ups, removal of standing water, and infrastructure repairs, as well as innovative methods such as the Wolbachia tool.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Outreach activities include monthly clean ups, presentations and door to door engagements where we work one on one with homeowners or businesses. All our outreach activities are designed to facilitate pride and ownership of looking after Virgin Gorda and keeping it clean and safe. Click on the link to find out more about our OUTREACH PROGRAMMES.
DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH
The BugOut programme has created a unique mobile software Application to manage internal and external workflows. Ongoing surveillance and live time data ensures systematic methods to suppress hotspots and eliminate breeding sites. In addition, annual Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Surveys are conducted.
Households Served by Releases
%
Highest Decrease in Aedes aegypti Females in an Area
Acres Covered by Releases
Mosquitoes Collected and Identified
PROGRESS
Click on the tiles below to find out more:
THE WOLBACHIA TOOL: A PROVEN SUCCESS
Partnering with Debug, we have implemented a non-toxic, non-GMO method to suppress disease-carrying mosquito populations on Virgin Gorda. By utilizing Wolbachia – a naturally occurring bacterium – we target the invasive Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes without harmful chemicals or genetic modification.
Unmatched Impact on Virgin Gorda
- 98% Reduction: Achieved in biting female mosquitoes in specific managed areas.
- 81% Reduction: Recorded in the Handsome Bay area.
- 75% Average Reduction: Realized across the entire Valley.
- 1.5+ Million Mosquitoes: Collected, identified, and sexed to ensure data-driven success.
- 1,168 Acres Protected: Covering 1,237 households across the territory.
Fast Facts
- Safety First: Wolbachia is found in 60% of insects and is not found in humans; it cannot be transmitted to people or pets.
- No New Bites: We release only male mosquitoes, which do not bite.
- Eco-Friendly: This method targets only the invasive Aedes aegypti, protecting local biodiversity and the food chain.
- Globally Recognized: Partnered with Verily (Debug), using technology proven in Singapore, Australia, and Puerto Rico.
Project Status
The release phase of this Ministry of Health-approved project successfully concluded on September 14, 2024 with releases continuing at Oil Nut Bay until December 2026. To maintain these historic gains, traditional breeding site treatment and intensive surveillance continue across the island
OUTREACH: INSPIRING COMMUNITY ACTION
Every resident and business on Virgin Gorda plays a vital role in protecting our island’s health and comfort. We empower the community at large to join the mission by following BugOut’s Three C’s:
-
Clean-up: Form a dedicated team of family or employees to identify and eliminate breeding sites on your property weekly.
-
Communicate: Post information posters around your property that highlight breeding sites and bite prevention.
-
Cover-up: Talk to your neighbors, employees, and customers—ensure everyone knows where mosquitoes lay eggs and how to prevent bites.
We believe education is the primary tool for long-term change. The BugOut team is dedicated to empowering the Virgin Gorda community through active engagement.
-
School Visits: Delivering interactive, age-appropriate presentations to inspire the next generation of “mosquito warriors”.
-
Community Leadership: Establishing a Community Steering Committee and hosting regular public meetings to ensure local voices guide our progress.
-
Teacher Resources: Providing free lesson plans and materials to integrate environmental health into the classroom.
We’re now working closely with the BVI Government to roll out a BugOut Pilot on Tortola, funded by the Pan American Health Organisation.
SOURCE REDUCTION
Our “Green, Clean, Healthy” mission prioritizes human and environmental safety by eliminating mosquitoes at the source without toxic chemicals.
- Physical Removal: We work to identify and permanently remove breeding sites, such as stagnant water in ghuts and gutters.
- Safe Treatments: For sites that cannot be removed, we utilize non-toxic, ecologically safe larvicides or mosquito-eating fish.
- Infrastructure Management: We provide advice on sealing septic tanks and managing AC or pump room drainage to prevent standing water. We hope to facilitate rain water gardens to mitigate problem breeding sites.
Infrastructure Management: We offer guidance on preventing standing water by advising on sealing septic tanks and managing drainage from AC or pump rooms. Our goal is to promote the use of rain water gardens as a way to mitigate problematic mosquito breeding sites.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Every decision we make is backed by rigorous scientific monitoring to ensure our community sees real results.
- Scientific Rigor: To date, the programme has collected and identified millions of mosquitoes and assessed the viability of tens of thousands of eggs.
- Surveillance Network: We utilize a network of surveillance traps, serviced twice weekly, to provide precise estimates of mosquito density.
Proven Impact: This data-driven approach allows us to measure success accurately, such as the sustained suppression 98% reduction in biting Aedes and Culex females achieved in managed areas.
PARNTERING FOR A RESILIENT BVI
BugOut thrives through a “Whole of Community” approach, bridging the gap between global technology, government, and local action.
- Technical Innovation: Green VI collaborates with technical partner Debug to implement advanced Wolbachia tools proven in precision health projects across Singapore, Australia, and Puerto Rico.
- Government Approved: Our projects are approved by the BVI Ministry of Health and align with national health priorities.
- Business Leaders: We partner with world-class resorts, including Oil Nut Bay, and Guavaberry Spring Bay, to set new standards for sustainable, mosquito-free luxury.
- Community Reach: Our large-scale initiatives have worked directly with residents to protect 1,237 households over 1,168 acres.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION: A GLOBAL LEADER
The BugOut Programme has positioned the BVI as a global leader in innovative, sustainable vector control.
- As Seen In: Our pioneering work has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, and Rolling Stone for setting a new standard in eco-friendly mosquito management.
- Independent Validation: Our methods are undergoing an independent review by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to verify our scientific rigor.
- Global Exchange: We are proud to host visitors from Barbados and other regions looking to study our successful model for their own communities.
- Scientific Leadership: We actively contribute to global science, presenting findings at the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) conference and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals such as the American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene.
- Proven Methods: We utilize world-class strategies used in places like Singapore, Maui, and Puerto Rico.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Click on the tiles below to learn how to reduce mosquitoes and keep you, your family & your neighbours safe:
Make your home a mosquito-free zone! You have the power!
We believe that everyone must play a role in local mosquito control and disease prevention efforts – starting at home! BugOut provides the necessary education and support to make everyone a participant. Our BugOut Vector Control team in Virgin Gorda is working with residents and homeowners to directly assist with mosquito control on and around their properties. We have a great list of resources for residents and homeowners, including checklists to help you protect your home from mosquitoes! Click here to find out about controlling mosquitoes at home and more!
Protect Your Business, Empower Your Team
From boutique hotels to local offices, every workplace on Virgin Gorda plays a vital role in safeguarding our community’s health and comfort. A mosquito-free environment isn’t just a luxury – it’s a competitive advantage for your guest experience and employee well-being.
The BugOut “Three C” Action Plan:
- Clean-up: Build a team to identify and eliminate breeding sites on your property weekly.
- Communicate: Use our [Resources Page] to post clear signage that helps staff and customers stay informed.
- Check: Regularly inspect septic tanks, AC units, and gutters to ensure they remain sealed and clear.
Ready for a visit? Join the properties seeing up to an 98% reduction in mosquitoes.
Contact the BugOut team today to arrange a professional site assessment.
Bringing Science to the Classroom
BugOut is committed to supporting our schools with the knowledge and tools needed to eliminate Aedes aegypti breeding sites. Our team provides dynamic presentations that engage students of all ages, fostering a community-wide culture of awareness and prevention.Together, we are educating young leaders to take charge of their environment for a more resilient BVI.
Ready to BugOut?
Click here for Teacher Resources or Contact Us to arrange a school visit today.
“Since Green VI began their innovative mosquito control program on our property, the impact has been resoundingly positive. It is now a very rare occurrence to see or hear a mosquito, and many of our repeat guests have commented on the remarkable absence of biting mosquitoes over the last year. Having seen these incredible results firsthand, we are proud to support Green VI’s diligent efforts to ensure our guests, neighbours, and the entire community can enjoy Virgin Gorda to the fullest.”
Tina Goschler, Managing
Director Guavaberry Spring Bay
Green VI, an organisation dedicated to environmental conservation, has operated in the Territory of the VI for 15 years. Recognizing our shared commitment to the environment, the North Sound Foundation (NSF) has provided funding to support Green VI’s work – in particular the BugOut Wolbachia programme, which aims to suppress the disease-causing mosquito, Aedes Aegypti. To date, the programme’s success has been remarkable and the NSF team is proud of the outstanding work accomplished by the Green VI team.
Clyde Lettsome, Vice President, Oil Nut Bay
PROMAR
PROMAR is a Caribbean-wide campaign to prevent marine litter through innovation, community engagement, and policy change – locally implemented by Green VI.