Dengue battle: Bengaluru homes turn tennis courts

BENGALURU: The sudden spike in dengue cases and related deaths has changed the dynamics on the home front: Families are increasingly equipping themselves with multiple mosquito bats!
"It's funny but that is the reality. Going after mosquitoes with one killer bat is getting tough, so I went and bought another one. Now, both my wife and I go around the house waving the electric mosquito bats every day.We feel like tennis stars playing to kill mosquitoes," said Nikhil Arjun, a businessman and resident of Wilson Garden.
For many like Nikhil, the need for additional mosquito bats at home has been triggered by the rise in dengue cases among children and elderly citizens. The tech-capital has registered more than 2,000 cases so far, with the total number across the state crossing 7,000. There is a general feeling mosquito repellents aren't highly effective and that the mosquito population inside homes can be checked by swatting. "A three-bedroom house or flat requires more than one mosquito bat, we think the mosquitoes have also become smart and aggressive these days," said Bharathi A, a resident of Vijayanagar.
Parineeta Behra, a resident of Jigani Road, said, "I find mosquito bats to be a good investment as they work far more effectively than the mosquito repellent liquid at home." The demand for bats is more common among those living in areas surrounded by plants. In fact, the demand for additional mosquito bats shot up in June after heavy rain created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Multiple supermarket executives STOI spoke with also agreed there has been a spike in demand for mosquito-killing bats. Bharati Priya, a shopkeeper in Vidyaranyapura, said, "More customers are coming to purchase mosquito bats, even though the prices have been going up. The rackets that cost Rs 200 last month now cost Rs 250."
Mohammed Tarik, an employee at Royalmart supermarket, Richmond Town, said, "More than 10 mosquito bats are sold a day." Good-quality rechargeable bats cost Rs 500-600 and come with a one-year warranty. Tinu Daniel Sam, a resident of Hennur, said, "I think the bat is a good option for people like me who don't like the smell of mosquito coils.