A paint to get rid of mosquitoes

A Chennai-based biotechnology firm on Monday said it is working on developing a chemical for application on mosquito nets, which would keep the pest away for a period of at least three years.

The disclosure was made at the launch of an acrylic powder paint concentrate and a bio-guard solution when Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, after launching the products, asked if it would be possible to use the chemical to keep mosquitoes away.

Proprietor of the firm Sundaravelu said his Rs 10 crore (Rs 10 million) Alchemy Biotech Private Ltd. was producing the "colourless, odourless and non-toxic chemical, which could be applied over other paints and on cupboards and kitchen cabinet.

He claimed that the bioguard, tested for non-toxic substances and certified by European labao, could get rid of mosquitos, cockroaches and asthma causing dust mite.