Don’t depend on BMC, do your own thing

With so many people dying with malaria, dengue and mosquito-related diseases, pesticide-based repellents are thronging the market in the form of sprays, mats, coils and liquidators. However, studies have clearly indicated that such repellents have adverse effects on pregnant women and young children.

Those wishing to live an organic life would surely prefer using plant-based essential oils which though have short action periods and necessitate reapplication every hour or two, as they evaporate easily but do not cause any adverse effects. Lemon Eucalyptus, Citronella, Catnip, Neem, Cinammon, Castor and Lemon Grass oils can be used for mopping floors instead of the bio-hazardous phenyl. The safest carrier oils and alcohols are olive oil, sunflower oil, any other cooking oil, witch hazel or even vodka. Of course, the mosquito net is the most effective and the cheapest mass-option to keep those pesky pests away, but who wouldn’t prefer a more fragrant option?
Anand Pendharkar, ecologist

One should try and keep the windows closed in the evenings. Also, house should be kept clean and one should use phenyl to keep floor clean and to kill bacteria. There should be absolute cleanliness — in and around one’s house. Keeping a mosquito net and other repellents is a necessity today.
Prashant G, consultant

As of now, we are having to fend for ourselves to keep mosquitoes at bay. The area I live in — Mira Road — can be called a mosquito breeding-ground. We have no other option but to use Good Knight mosquito repellent or the mosquito racket.



Rajneesh Sharma, manager

One can’t always depend on the civic bodies, especially
during a time when epidemics are on the rise. Therefore,
at home we use old-age techniques like putting mustard oil
in a big steel thali and move it around in the room. Around 90% of the mosquitoes in the room will stick on the thali and die. Another way is to burn neem leaves and the smoke will kill all the mosquitoes.

Kapila Sahni, homemaker

 

Cleanliness is the most important thing that people should focus on. Cleanliness doesn’t limit itself to one’s house, but also to the society and the area they live in too. At home, we usually use Good Knight along with the dhoop in the evening. The combination is very effective at driving mosquitoes away.
Megha Chotalia, teacher

Every alternative day, we light a dhoop in our house. A small piece of Loban dhoop is enough to drive mosquitoes away. Also, it’s an ecological way as dhoop is made out of natural substances. Too much chemical isn’t good for humans and also for the environment
Nikita Kothari, proprietor