Dengue, malaria, chikungunya - the deadly vector carries all these and more. Doctors say that the safest bet against them is the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and protective clothing. But there are numerous alternatives available in the market. However, before you pick your weapon of choice, here’s a look at what might work best for you.
MORTEIN COIL
Coils work best when used indoors.
How it works: It contains a chemical called d-trans allethrin that is effective in killing pests. When burnt, the smoke from the coil spreads evenly across the room annihilating the mosquitoes.
How long the effect lasts: Eight to ten hours.
VAPOURISER
Work only indoors.
How it works: Most vapourisers contain prallethrin, a chemical compound that is the basic ingredient of any insect repellent. Popular brands like All Out and Good Knight use 1.6 per cent of the chemical. The vapourisers emit fumes when heated and work on the same principle as the coils.
How long the effect lasts: 10-12 hours
ODOMOS
Odomos is a mosquito repellant cream/gel/spray that works both indoors and outdoors.
How it works: Mosquitoes detect our presence by the smell that our bodies emit. Odomos simply masks this smell.
How long the effect lasts: Up to eight hours.
CITRONELLA AND EUCALYPTUS OIL
They work both indoors and outdoors.
How it works: Eucalyptus oil contains para-menthane-3,8-diol, a chemical with known insect repellent properties. It can be used in the water for mopping the floor or directly on the skin. Citronella oil has properties which allow it to be used in numerous ways. The oil has little or no toxicity when used as a tropical insect repellent. It can be used in the form of oil, liquid or patch. It can be also used as candles and incense sticks. Nowadays this oil is applied as bug repellent in the form of bracelet.
How long the effect lasts: Four to five hours
