Trying to decide whether I should switch off the fan on a cold winter morning - the choices being getting bitten by mosquitoes or feeling the chill in my bones, I am struck by the thought that so many of my household decisions recently have depended upon the presence or absence of mosquitoes.
There is a plot under excavation in the neighbourhood and the water logging there has led to an increase in the number of mosquitoes. But then, winters have always meant more mosquitoes. The trouble is that lately there is not much relief even in other seasons. And the fear of malaria, dengue and other mosquito borne diseases (Zika being the new addition), always keeps us on our toes.
So we have mosquito repellent machines, fast action cards for difficult days, mosquito repellent cream, had even bought mosquito nets for bed, but found it a cumbersome task to use. One window has a net against mosquito, planning for the others now. We keep the fan switched on even when we do not need it, only to keep mosquitoes away. We think before we keep indoor plants, keep windows shut in the evenings and have made ourselves miserable in every possible way.
Why is it that mosquitoes have become such a menace? Haven't we paying enough attention to the health risks that result in letting mosquitoes breed? Researchers in China are working on a project to infect mosquitoes with bacteria to bring down their population - read link here. Brazilian armed forces have now taken up the task of fighting the Zika menace (read here). Why aren't we in India taking things as seriously? We are focusing more on the protection equipment and cures for disease - all very good for the businesses working in the area, but not for the rest of us.
Whatever results such projects give, it will be very difficult to fully eradicate the species - not that one would want to do it either (remember the link between possible extinction of bees and the food chain?). But bringing their population under control is the need of the day. We are spending more and more on preventing mosquito bites. We really do need our scientists to work on the China model. What say?
Whatever results such projects give, it will be very difficult to fully eradicate the species - not that one would want to do it either (remember the link between possible extinction of bees and the food chain?). But bringing their population under control is the need of the day. We are spending more and more on preventing mosquito bites. We really do need our scientists to work on the China model. What say?
Following are links that suggest some natural remedies against mosquitoes. Check and let me know if any of these work for you.
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