Jul 01, 2013 08:53 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Similar to traffic congestion reports, a team of students and engineers at the University of Manitoba have created a new smartphone app that allows users to rate mosquito activity in an area. The information is then uploaded to a map, visible to all the users.

This app 'M Tracker' informs the users about worst mosquito affected areas in Winnipeg. It will also help residents carry necessary precautions including a 'bug spray.'

"We originally had been using software to generate contact patterns to model the spread of flu and flu-like symptoms in hospitals several years ago, and realized the same technology could be used to track mosquitoes," said Bob McLeod of the Faculty of Engineering.

The 'blood-suckers' are considered as the province's 'unofficial bird,' because of the nuisance it creates among the residents.

"You see what other people are saying ... you know, if you want to bring out some bug spray or if you think you want to bring a lot of bug spray or maybe just a long-sleeved shirt," said Rory Jacob, a computer engineering student who worked and designed the app with McLeod and fellow student Chen Liu.

The app went live a few weeks ago and can be used world-wide. The app can be freely downloadable for Apple iOS devices (iTunes) and Android phones.

"It's been downloaded in Russia, in the United States, in the U.K. It uses the map built-in to essentially tell you how the mosquitoes are in your area," Jacob said. "Realistically, the more people you get, the better the data is going to be. You'll be able to get more consistent results out of it."

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