THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA, August 5, 2011 (The New Indian Express): Mosquitoes are vicious in Kerala. The Kochi Corporation and Tripunithura municipality routinely fog for mosquitoes, and one must use a mosquito repellant in order to sleep. Neither measure provides control; and the toxicity of the fog and repellants is a constant worry. But a nontoxic, fully ayurvedic repellent has now been developed by the Asha Workers in Udayamperoor panchayat.
The herbal repellant is fumed in coconut shells or earthen pots. It kills mosquitoes instantly but is believed to be nontoxic to humans. “The fumes of this unique mix have no health hazards. It is safe for even those suffering from diseases like acute asthma,” said M. K. Anilkumar, ward member of 19th ward Udayamperoor panchayat.The kits are being distributed free of cost in his ward.
“We are planning to distribute the mix to other parts of the panchayat also through Asha workers,” he said.