The makers of OFF! Insect repellents have developed a new clip-on device they say can be an effective tool against the Zika virus.

The OFF! Clip-On repellent device has been shown to ward off the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can spread Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever through bites.

According to an article published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, the device repels mosquitoes by releasing a vapor form of insecticide through a battery-powered fan — forming an insecticide "cloud" around the wearer.

Lead researchers Christopher Bibbs and Rui-De Xue of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District in Florida tested the device against hungry Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and found it caused “high mosquito mortality” and kept bugs 0.3 meters away — enough to protect a single person wearing the device.

"In vector control, we see more often than not that tools available for consumers don't work for the intended purpose," said Bibbs. "Just look at all the bug zappers, repellent bracelets, sonic bug repellents, and other zany creations that wax and wane in popularity. Skepticism is inherent to the trade. But it was nice for a change of pace that one of these devices could actually do some good."