Mosquitoes spread diseases such as malaria, Zika and dengue so getting rid of them can only make life better. The TV's "Mosquito Away Technology" uses ultrasonic waves that are inaudible to humans but cause mosquitoes to fly away.

The technology, which was certified as effective by an independent laboratory near Chennai, India and has found its way into LG air conditioners and washing machines. It works when the telly is switched off, is available in two models priced at $394 and $706.

The TV is targeted at lower-income consumers living in conditions that would make them vulnerable to mosquitoes. LG wants to flog it in the Philippines and Sri Lanka, but it is not likely to come to Europe when mosquitoes the size of sea gulls start to eat tourists in Rome and anyone else who has not fled the capital.

Strangely the device will not be flogged in Brazil, which was is suffering from an outbreak of the Zika virus. It has fueled concern over safety at the Olympic Games set to begin in August in Rio de Janeiro.