Invention of the Year

It's nearing mosquito season here in Shanghai. In the States I never thought much about this rather annoying time of year because usually it simply meant borrowing a little insect repellent from a friend at the occasional backyard barbecue or outdoor ice-cream party.

But here, it's quite a different matter. Last year, our office became a favorite hangout for a pretty hefty percentage of the local population, and what I always considered a nuisance evolved into a major problem when I left my office after a long night of work and discovered dozens and dozens of bites on my legs. (The next day, I counted 57 bumps on one leg alone.) My mom always said I had sweet blood that attracted the horrible beasts, but the real problem is this: there are no window screens in China. Combine that with the fact that they have this thing for fresh air and that air conditioners aren't quite as prevalent, and you've got a blood-donation center and insect sanctuary right here in our building.

Enter my new best friend: the electric mosquito racket. This clever little tool—unheard of in America, illegal in Australia—is readily available on the streets of Shanghai. And when he left, our dear friend Elijah passed along his to us. If I see one of these vampiric monsters, I just grab my trustee racket and start swinging. The best part is that when I make contact with the little beast, there is a very satisfying spark and a popping sound (and occasionally a small trail of smoke) to signal the end of his parasitic existence.

Once I stock up on AA batteries, I'll be completely ready to battle the vicious horde.

Desiree