Mosquito-defence sales soar

KOCHI: Even as Kochi with its unclean canals and congested waterways prove to be the most congenial place for the  mosquitoes to breed, distributors of mosquito repellents  say the sale is high in the suburban areas as it is in Kochi.According to them, at least Rs 25 lakh-worth mosquito repellents are being distributed in places like Paravoor, Aluva and Tripunithura alone. Figures from distributors show that at least Rs 60 lakh-worth mosquito repellents are being used in Ernakulam every month.“With 30 distributors of various brands operating in the  district, there is a huge sale of products at present. And, the sale is growing as mosquito breeding has become exceptionally high as compared to the past,” said Merchants Union former president John.Various products that are being sold in the district, which is the biggest purchaser of mosquito repellents in the state, are coils, liquid mosquito repellents and wipes. Mosquito  killing heaters are the newest entrant in the market. However, it is the liquid mosquito repellents and coils that have the maximum takers.John attributes this to the cost of the product. “Some prefer coils because they are cheaper than the liquid repellents. Coils that cost Rs 25 a packet can be used for at least three days. In the coastal areas, it is the coils that have captured the heart of the buyer,” he said.Coils have takers among the city population too.Distributors of Goodnight say that of the 13 lakh sale in the city,  two-thirds comes from the distribution of the coils.But, dealers of ALL OUT say that it is the liquid products that are becoming popular among the people of Kochi. “Most of our consumers purchase the liquid product because they feel that it is safer than coils. There are no health hazards for liquid repellents,” says Iqbal S, a city-based dealer. Moreover, the liquid repellents have a good odour compared to the coils.“Most of the purchasers who come to our shops request for a liquid mosquito repellant. People prefer creams too,” a shop owner said.A distributor of Johnson and Johnson said wipes were more  popular among those who travel, including lorry drivers, and those who dwell in lodges.