What is the Mosquito?

Using technology originally designed to scare away vermin, the ‘Mosquito’ is a device that emits a very high frequency buzzing sound which cannot be heard by people over the age of 25.

This degrading and 
discriminatory device is now being used to deter young people from particular areas, with a sound that is described as “distressing” and “unbearable”. There are estimated to be 3,500 such ultra-
sonic dispersal devices in use
across the country.

Why is the Mosquito a problem?

Liberty has significant practical concerns about the device - for example, what effect does the Mosquito have on young people’s hearing?

We are also concerned that:

- The device will affect those who are behaving as well as those that are misbehaving.
 
- It targets only young people when problems may also be caused by adults.
 
- It exposes young people to extreme discomfort as if they were worth no more than a garden pest. 

This is not a proportionate response to loiterers and could adversely affect young people. We believe that the Mosquito does not encourage young people to act responsibly instead it simply presumes that they will not.

Find out more about the Mosquito and human rights.

Shami Chakrabarti, Liberty's Director, said:

“What type of society uses a low-level sonic weapon on its children?
Imagine the outcry if a device was introduced that caused blanket discomfort to people of one race or gender, rather than to our kids.

The Mosquito has no place in a country that values its children and seeks to instill them with dignity and respect.”

Have you seen a Mosquito?

If you are able to give us any more information on the location and operation of these Mosquito devices, and particularly if you know anyone who has experienced the effects of the Mosquito, please contact us using our online form or call us 020 7403 3888.