Australia’s perennial battle with mosquitoes could get a serious tech upgrade thanks to a futuristic new device that eliminates mozzies mid-air with lasers.

Chinese startup Photonmatrix has launched a crowdfunding campaign for what it’s calling the world’s first portable mosquito air defense system.

The device uses high-spec LIDAR to detect mosquitoes and a silent, high-precision laser to take them out in flight, all without chemicals, noise or harmful emissions.

Australia, with its humid climate and persistent mosquito-borne disease threats like Ross River and dengue virus, is a prime candidate for this kind of innovation.

Photonmatrix’s system, which looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, offers targeted mosquito control without the environmental downsides of sprays or zappers.

Inventor Jim Wong claims the system can kill up to 30 mosquitoes per second, even in complete darkness.

As for safety, the device can detect the size of incoming objects and will only fire if the target fits the mosquito profile, meaning pets, people and birds stay unaffected.

The device is designed to be mounted under eaves, solar panels, or trees, and runs for up to 16 hours when connected to a power bank.

While the system is still in prototype stage, early models are set to ship by October this year. Prices start at around US$446 (A$670), with backers receiving the laser unit, power adapter and mounting accessories.

The company said it is prioritising safety certification and working with distributors to accelerate production.

The device has already raised over €400,000 (A$660,000) on Indiegogo, smashing its initial goal by more than 2,000%.

For Australians tired of swatting mozzies or relying on sprays, this could be the solution we’ve been waiting for, assuming it hits the market as promised.