Anti-Teen Weapon Comes to New York
By Sharon Weinberger EmailMarch 04, 2008 | 11:29:26 AMCategories: Less-lethal

The ultrasonic "Mosquito," a device targeted specifically at frequencies heard by the young, has made it to the United States, reports the New York Post.

Mosquito Sean Mann, property manager of the 78-unit building at 114-05 170th St., said he was desperate to curtail chronic loitering, vandalism and even drug use in the building's lobby.

"I look at this as an active deterrent . . . I'm skeptical - because I can't hear it," he said.

But, he added, "over the past few days, we haven't seen any kids hanging out there. They're moving to different floors to avoid the sound.

"But now that we know it works, we'll keep installing more."

The Post put the gadget to the test in Washington Square Park and Midtown.

"It's obnoxious, high-pitched and painful," said 19-year-old Kristin Hankins with a wince.

"It's just awful," cried Jackie Lewis, 19, covering her ears. "I was wondering what that was. It's so annoying!"

But Jesus Parra, 46, was mystified. "Am I going deaf? I don't hear nothing," he said.

Dr. Pamela Roehm, assistant professor of otolaryngology at NYU, warns that more studies should be done before people install these devices.

"Eighty-five decibels is a little extreme," she said. "There is the possibility that long periods of exposure to this sound could cause damage."

Could it cause sound damage? I'm not sure, but I looked up some other sound levels for comparison to the 85 dB of the Mosquito: :Jet takeoff (200 ft): 120; Rock Concert, Discotheque: 110; Firecrackers, Subway Train: 100; Heavy Truck (15 Meter), City Traffic 90 Alarm Clock (1 Meter), Hair Dryer: 80."