Fight those bites.

• Position: What's New?

* There are more than 200 species of mosquitoes living in the U.S. In 1999, a mere four states--New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Maryland--had to deal with West Nile virus. Three short years later, only Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona remained free of confirmed cases of West Nile in either humans or animals. So ridding your backyard of mosquitoes suddenly has become more than just a matter of not wanting your weekend barbeque ruined; now it can prevent serious illness.

The Sonic Web Biting Insect Control, from Applica Consumer Products, Inc., Miami Lakes, Fla., not only eliminates mosquitoes, but rids your yard of flies, midges, dragonflies, and those especially pesky no-see-ums by simulating the four genetic lures--sound, smell, sight, and heat--that attract biting insects from up to one full acre.

The unit, which should be placed at least 30 to 45 feet from the area you want to protect, features a patented long-range sonic heartbeat. Once the insects get in close, they get a whiff of the replaceable Octenol strip that emits a time-released fragrance which mimics human breath. As for sight, the unit's design combines ultraviolet reflection and contrasting stripes. As the insects circle the device, they perceive movement and quickly attack. Sonic Web's temperature also is the same as the body...