Spraying the NCBS environs: Photo: Nitesh Saxena

NCBS is not all about academics, the non-scientific side is as important in creating and maintaining an environment that is conducive to the future of good science. Without the cleanliness and comfort that NCBS affords, through the tireless effort of its staff, much time would have to be spent in housekeeping, rather than in obtaining data.

An important, but oft-neglected activity that takes place quite frequently is the control of populations of the small animals that may threaten to infest our buildings. Pioneer Pest Control Services, based in Vidyaranyapura, has been charged with the duty of keeping NCBS safe from hordes of unwanted intruders. Consequently, the number of snakes and scorpions that the wildlife students have had to rescue from within the building has greatly declined.

In an effort to save us the bother of being bitten by mosquitoes, or being assaulted by other kinds of flying insects, the pest control agency has been spraying the building with pesticide. Unfortunately, the obnoxious fumes seem to be toxic, not just to the smaller life forms but to us as well, with asthmatics being the most affected. Spraying the insides of the building is supplemented with spraying the lawns, gardens and the areas under construction adjacent to the swimming pool. While the effects of the particulates dissolved in the pool water remain to be seen, relatively innocuous animals are facing grave threats thanks to the broad spectrum effects of the chemicals used. While mosquito populations may or may not have crashed, the numbers of butterflies and moths on campus have declined drastically. These animals are not just of aesthetic value, but perform import natural functions such as pollination and are also good model systems for research.

Dr. Sanjay Sane and his group who work on the mechanics of flight in such insect aviators have noticed that the moths they were attempting to breed for their experiments have been adversely impacted by the new pesticide regime. Pesticides sprayed on the host-plants of these insects have destroyed premature moths and prevented adult moths from choosing to visit the campus. Consequently Dr Sanjay Sane initiated a modification and monitoring program with regard to the pest control measures. Resulting from these efforts were ‘outdoor no-spray zones’ and ‘eco-friendly pest control’. Areas of the gardens designated by labs as integral to their research were declared ‘no-spray zones’ , while Pioneer Pest Control was assigned the responsibility of finding less destructive means of dealing with insect infestations.

The cumulative effort by the NCBS community has led to gradual changes in the pest control regime. An environment-friendly herbal insecticide, commercially called ‘Manmohini’ (developed by Oshin laboratories, India) is now used to control mosquitoes in combination with traditional chemicals like ‘cycluthrin’ (Paxmy speciality chemicals) which are considered more effective than the herbal counterpart. Within NCBS buildings two strategies have been put in place. First, reduction in the amount of insecticide sprayed on each occasion and second is the use of herbal insecticides indoors. Luckily, due to the positive and enthusiastic response by Pioneer Pest Control Services we are likely to see more effects and less side effects in our efforts to deal with insects on campus.

Pest control in NCBS. Photo: Nitesh Saxena