Mosquito repellent market

It is said that only two things that will survive the third world war. Rats and cockroaches (popularly called roaches in USA). I can very confidently add one more species. The not so humble mosquito. Mosquitoes inflict horrendous damage and kill millions of people every year. They cause infectious diseases like yellow fever, dengue, hemorrhagic fever, many forms of encephalitis and the deadly malaria. As people become more aware of the diseases caused by mosquitoes, the demand for mosquito repellents will keep on increasing, which is a positive sign for the manufacturers, new entrants as well as the existing players.

The Mosquito Repellents market is very huge and valued at more than Rs 1600 crores in India and is growing at a healthy clip. This segment is characterized by low competition and high consumption. Mosquito Repellents segment is estimated to have more than 54 manufacturers with 72 brands in India alone.

The products covered in this category include

Coils: The early method of commercial mosquito repellents. Of course the earliest method has been to apply ash or some herbal creams. People have also used mosquito nets. But these have proved to be cumbersome and the mosquito nets restrict movement and many feel claustrophobic in mosquito nets.  Mosquito coils have to be lit up and emit smoke that will make the mosquitoes to go away. But inevitably most coils cause air pollution and cause irritation to the throat and the eyes. There is a danger of fire and all the windows and doors have to be closed when the coil is lit. But there is an advantage as there is no need for electricity for coils. Coils are mobile.

Mats: Need electricity. Some mats give off a slight smell but most don’t. They are convenient to use, small and very compact but they need electricity to use and are not mobile.  

Liquidator: Moving from the mat to the liquid has been a recent phenomenon. Here the repellent is in the form of a liquid which when switched on drives the mosquitoes away. Once the liquid is exhausted it can be replaced with another refill. The machine that operates the liquidator is reusable.   

Candle: A novelty. The specially made candle that repels mosquitoes is made of natural elements and is supposed to be environmentally friendly. A niche product it might do well in homes that have environment friendly citizens.

Creams: One of the early methods of mosquito repellents, a cream like Odomos (Odor that can stop the mosquitoes?) has been quite effective. Portable and convenient to use they are a superb method of mosquito repulsion when people are on the move and when one is camping. But the put-off has been the smell and the allergies that these creams can cause to sensitive skins and to children.

Spray:  in the form of aerosol cans. The repellent is in the form of a spray and these sprays are now available that can be used just like room fresheners. This product again does not need electricity to operate it.