FOLLOWING close on the heels of the rainy season are the mosquito fogging operations carried out by contractors engaged by the Health Ministry and state Health Departments. We put up with these malodorous operations even though we can already see for ourselves that fogging is ineffective and provides only a false sense of security.

Fogging continues to be a popular method of mosquito control because it is visible and creates the impression that the relevant authorities are doing something to combat mosquito-borne diseases. But studies have shown that fogging is effective only when the chemicals come in direct contact with the mosquitoes. I have seen for myself how the mosquitoes fly up to my apartment window screens when fogging is being carried out at ground level, and cunningly fly back down when the coast is clear.