Letters to the Editor Please test mosquito repellents

I strongly recommend that you test the mosquito repellent coils, mats and liquids (All Out, Mortein, Good Knight, etc.). We have been using these for the past several years and their efficacy has gone down considerably, especially that of the liquids.

I distinctly remember that till a few years ago All Out / Good Knight lquid repellent used to contain 5% allethrins and the mosquitoes literally used to fall dead on the beds. No longer. The chemical has been changed, the concentration has gone down, and the liquids are not effective at all. Mats are equally bad. The coils are slightly better but not fully effective – they create suffocation if the doors/windows are closed.

Col. Nalin Kishore Thank you for the suggestion. We must inform you here that it takes six to eight months for completing a test as it involves various processes including consultations with stakeholders and laboratory testing. We have noted your suggestion and will try to include it in our future CT projects.

Meanwhile you may go through our old report on mosquito repellents (published in February 2012 issue of Consumer Voice).

Why is ITC brand missing?

I received the latest issue of Consumer Voice today. It is quite informative, as always. However, you have not included the Aashirvaad brand of atta by ITC in the comparison of packaged whole wheat flour. Any particular reason for the omission?

Col. Nalin Kishore

Consumer Voice is signatory to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids world initiative. We are anti-tobacco campaigners. The campaign clause includes no linkages with tobacco or liquor companies. Hence Aashirvaad of ITC could not be included.