Bayer Launches Water-Based Insecticide ‘Aqua K-Othrine’ for Fogging

Bayer, after years of research, has launched a new chemical Aqua K-Othrine that can be mixed with water instead of diesel and used for fogging. This is the first new launch by Bayer Environmental Science in the Indian vector control market in 20 years. The new product eliminates the use of diesel and thereby reduces pollution. The cost of the newly launched chemical is Rs. 4,850 per litre and it suffices coverage of 20 to 40 hectares while spraying.

German company Bayer’s new product, a water-based insecticide, eliminates the use of oil-based diluents such as diesel and helps reduce pollution caused by fogging. A nasty stench of smoke and burning eyes are associated with fogging for controlling mosquito-breeding outside our homes.

“While fogging, a small amount of chemical is mixed with almost 80 % of diesel component and then sprayed in the atmosphere. The pollution is due to the diesel that gets released in huge quantities in the atmosphere,” Arun Kumar, Head of South Asia, Bayer Environmental Science, told reporters.

Aqua K-Othrine can be used in thermal fogging machines, ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayers & cold fogger machines against flying insect pests. “Aqua K-Othrine can be applied after diluting with water without losing efficacy. It is water-based, this insecticide eliminates the use of oil-based diluents such as diesel and helps reduce environmental impact,” Kumar said.

After undergoing phase 3 trials, which involve testing it for mortality of mosquitoes, effectiveness, dosage, frequency of spraying & after being compared with standard chemicals which use diesel as the base, the chemical has received sanction from the Ministry of Agriculture for use in India. Kumar said, “It has to now undergo processes for sanction from the National Vector Borne Control Disease Programme (NVBCDP) of Ministry of Health before the government considers adding it to its kitty”.

In any given fogging exercise, the cost of chemical is just 10 to 15% of the total cost, the majority of which is commanded by diesel and the rest for machinery and manpower. “While we await sanctions from the government for use in the public sector and governments - be it Centre, State or local remain our biggest potential buyers, private pest control companies that undertake contracts for co-operative housing societies or commercial spaces have also shown interest in the product”, he added.