Pest Control - E-Book

The first time in Indian Railway Central Railway Carriage & Wagon Depot, Mechanical Branch Central Railway, Solapur Division Sachin K. Shahane, Sr. Section Engineer/C&W/Solapur

Prevention cum Control Of Pest & COVID-19 in Indian Railways (First Edition 2020) Sachin K. Shahane; Sr. Section Engineer/C&W/Solapur

Dedication I dedicate this book to my father, mother and teachers, who taught me to think, understand and express. I earnestly feel that this book is completed because of their inspiration, guidance, encouragement, support, affection and love.

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Foreword It is noteworthy that Carriage & Wagon depot of Solapur division has developed a technical literature on Prevention cum Control of Pest and Covid-19 spread in Indian Railway coaches. To tackle the Passenger complaints regarding Pest control, many trials have been conducted; problems have been identified and resolved by the team. It is a challenging task for maintaining the pest free and well sanitized coaches. A special attention to the prevention against covid-19 spread is also undertaken in this literature. UV-C coach sanitizer is also innovated by this team going in the line of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It is in regular use at Solapur Depot for sanitisation of entire Coaches in minimal time and financial expenditure over consumables. Shri. S.K. Shahane SSE.SUR has taken the efforts to prepare this literature. I am sure this technical literature will be very much beneficial for all related staff. This will help to maintain pest free coaches of trains and will improve the reliability of our esteemed customer-the passengers . Digitally signed by SURYAKANT BHIMRAO MUNJEWAR Date: 2020.08.13 16:36:04+05'30' (Suryakant B. Munjewar) Divisional Mechanical Engineer, Central Railway / Solapur IV

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Testimonial Present measures taken for pest control is not giving satisfactory results. Shri. S. K. Shahane SSE/C&W/SUR has taken initiative and found very innovative methods in controlling pest control. This has proved very efficient and given good results. He has also innovated UV Coach Sanitizer to eliminate Coronavirus from inside the coaches which is safe method. D.N.V.L Rao SSE / C & W / SUR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ While monitoring the pest and rodent control activity, Shri. S.K. Shahane have taken a painful efforts to reduce passenger complaints by taking help of private agency, which have resulted into 99% success. It could have been done by considering all experiences and referring various books. Keeping knowledge only with us is like destroying but you have not done so and shared knowledge and experience in the form of this book. I congratulate the team for taking the efforts to prepare it. S. A. Basargi SSE / C & W / SUR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rats are searching for food which are normally available in Pantry car, generally in trains halted for 03 to 12 hrs. at terminals from where rats can enter inside the coaches and spoil the passenger journey. Every officer, supervisor & staffs are having these issues as a challenge. Everyone who deals with pest control thinks that he must have detailed guidelines or official one circular on Pest Control Activity. To respond to this issue, my colleague Shri. S.K. Shahane has taken the great efforts to prepare this booklet and served the purpose. B.N.Patwardhan SSE / C & W / SUR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pest and rodent control is serious problem for an Indian Railway. In all season the growth of bedbugs found in multiple numbers. Due to lack of knowledge of proper treatment during primary maintenance I was suffered from lot of problems, but Shri. S.K. Shahane SSE/C&W/SUR has been taken a lot of efforts and most important thing is that he is sharing his knowledge through his book on pest and rodent control in simple words which definitely helpful to Indian Railway and very appreciable. Also in COVID-19 pandemic situation he invented UV coach sanitizer equipment which is found very effective, workable and appreciable. My best wishes are with him. Suhas Ghadge SSE/C&W/SUR VI

Train journey for any passenger in any class must be joyful and comfortable. For this our Mechanical staffs were taking heartful efforts. One of the efforts which have always been appreciated is controlling of pests and rodents in coaches. Presence of any sort of rodent or pest may spoil the journey and will lead to complaint and dissatisfaction. Loss to costly luggage of passengers due to rodent, also is an issue of worry. For making this journey comfortable our colleague Mr. Sachin Shahane, SSE/C&W/Solapur has taken great initiative to control over these pests. His dedication along with application of mind has resulted in zero passenger complaints in train. In this pandemic situation of COVID-19 he has taken efforts to develop and UV coach sanitizer equipment. This will help in cleaning the coach inside safely. I congratulate him and his team for their efforts. All the very best for future. Vaibhav Gaikwad SSE/Planning/Solapur The efforts made by Shri. S. K. Shahane SSE/C&W/SUR in controlling rodents, bedbugs, cockroaches is highly appreciable. Due to his new methods the menace of rats, bedbugs, cockroaches is almost reduced. The guidelines prepared by Shri. S. K. Shahane on his personnel experience is very useful to all rake maintenance engineers. Sethunath.S SSE/C&W/SUR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This book is perfect blend of experience and research on pest control done by Shahane sir. It's an excellent handbook with all the required information on pest control activities. Many maintenance engineers in railways might be searching for such book and I am confident that their search will end with this book. Innovative methods mentioned in the booklet for pest control and coach sanitization are very effective and gives the best results. Lucid and picturesque explanations of complex pest control methods make this book a unique. It's a must have booklet for all maintenance engineer who are dealing with pest control. I would like to thank Mr Shahane sir for writing this unique book for pest control. I wish him all the best. Pravin A. Ghatule SSE/C&W/SUR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nowadays main problem facing by Indian Railways is that how to control pest and rodents in coaches. My colleague Shri. S. K. Shahane -SSE/SUR has prepared a book by on pest and rodent control treatment in coaches and also focused on Covid-19. This book is totally based on practical experience and experiments in field. Language used in this book is very simple and self explanatory. This book is very useful for everyone who deals with pest control activity. I congratulate him for preparing the very essential book. S. S. Adalinge SSE / C & W / SUR VII

Preface While dealing with pest control activities, available guidelines, instructions, literature were not sufficient. A lot of difficulties were faced by everyone whoever dealing with pest control activities. Whenever a passenger lodged complaint, all divisions of railway are struggling and resolving it on trial and error basis. There were no any effective and specific guidelines for a particular pest complaint. In Carriage & Wagon depot of Solapur Division, the complaints and feedbacks are identified, studied and analyzed first, thereby remedial action have been taken against the complaint. The system is developed to maintain the pest free coaches instead of taking the action after receiving the passenger’s complaints and tried to satisfy the passengers and eliminate the passenger complaints. Only trapping, killing & removing, the pest is not sufficient hence to find out root cause is very important. Therefore, each case was studied, observed, investigated and analysed. Further a system developed in primary maintenance of Solapur Division and implemented. This resulted into not only to control the pests but also eliminated and maintained the Pest Free Coaches over the division, as targeted. Presently, coronavirus is harming the human beings all over the world. Many people are affected, died and financially weaken due to which world economy is collapsed. To keep society and family safe from these kinds of viruses, germs and bacteria, some important precautions are to be taken. To maintain good hygiene in trains, buses, society, household items,it should be cleaned and timely disinfected by spraying and wiping liquid chemicals. UV Coach sanitizer is also the best, reliable and effective alternative to make the coaches of trains free from germs, bacteria and viruses like Novel Corona. It will be more effective with liquid chemicals disinfectant like sodium hypochlorite, dettol and lizol etc. This booklet is prepared with various literatures, references and our best experience. Hence users will help to upgrade their depots/trains so that passenger complaints can be reduced and eliminated. Place - Solapur Sachin K. Shahane Date -20 August 2020 Sr.Section Engineer, C & W Depot. Central Railway, Solapur Division VIII

Acknowledgment “It is not possible to prepare a technical literature without the assistance & encouragement of other people. This one is certainly no exception.” On the very outset of this book, I would like to extend my sincere & heartfelt obligation towards all the personages who have helped me in this endeavor. Without their inspiration, support, active guidance, help, cooperation & encouragement I would not have made headway in this technical literature. I would like to express my deep & sincere gratitude for their Inspiration& support to Shri. Sanjeev Mittal; GM / CR, Shri. A. K Gupta; PCME/CR , Shri. Shailesh Gupta; DRM / SUR, Shri. Rupesh Kohli; CRSE(Cog), Shri. V. K. Nagar; ADRM / SUR &Shri. Shivaji Kadam; Dy.CEnHM/ HQ. I am ineffably indebted for conscientious guidance&encouragement to accomplish this technical literature to Shri. N. A. Deshmukh; Sr.DME/SUR, Shri. S. B. Munjewar; DME/SUR, Shri. L.V. Jadhav; ADME/SUR & Shri. Rupesh Jadhav; ADME/SUR. I am extremely thankful & pay my gratitude for their valuable guidance, suggestions, support and co-operation on the completion of these book to Shri. S.A.Basargi; SSE/C&W/SUR, Shri. K.S.Kete; SSE/C&W/SUR and Shri. J. R. Waghmare JE/C&W/SUR. I express my special thanks to Shri. Vinayak Bhosale; Sr. Tech. / C&W /SUR, Shri. P. Chitti Babu; Tech. III/ C&W /SUR, Shri. Abhishek Swami&Pest Control Team who have been shown keen interest & taken special efforts to complete this book. I also acknowledge with a deep sense of reverence, my gratitude towards my parents & member of my family, who has always supported me morally. Al last but not least gratitude goes to all of my friends & colleagues who directly or indirectly helped me to complete this book. Any omission in this brief acknowledgement does not mean lack of gratitude. Thanking you Sachin K. Shahane IX

Introduction The objectives of Pest Control are to upgrade maintenance, controlling techniques, & methodologies by adopting new ideas and achieve improvements to provide the standards of services and commitment to customer for Happy & comfortable journey. Also to maintain the good image, reputation & improve the reliability of passengers on Railways. In the Present scenario of Pest Control, the need of the day is to prevent & control the pests & rodents in coaches and railways premises is the major challenge. With the prime objective of controlling and eliminating the menace of Pest and Rodent in trains, arising out of experience gained through the trials with the professional agencies. The pest affects human being, animal, food supply and property. They transfer food poisoning bacteria by carrying with their bodies. The many insects transmit human diseases through their bites, causes severe disease to human. The insect bites may be intensely irritating and allergy to human being. For controlling the insects and other pest, needs to study their characteristics, understanding their life cycle, habits and behaviour. It helps to determine the need for treatment or environmental / structural modification, pesticide selection, proper timing / schedule and application of pesticide and also determining the need to treat again with certain frequencies. Study and analyse the pest prone areas, its sanitation which prevents the pest developments and precautions to carry out during pest control treatment. This will be very helpful for controlling the pest and rodents in trains, station yard, and becomes disease free and clean environment. Today, it is very important to prevent, the transmission of coronavirus from person to person. Since needs to study, analyze common symptoms of novel coronavirus (Covid-19 disease), its prevention methods, precautions as per WHO, immunity boosting measures, controlling, methods of disinfection and sanitizations against Covid-19 and its implementation in Railway to make the germs, bacteria and viruses free railway with the use of UV Coach sanitizer along with disinfectant with liquids like Sodium hypochlorite, lizol, dettol, etc. X

CONTENTS Chapter Description Page No. No. 1 Introduction of Pest control 1 1.1 Methods of Pest Control 2 1.2 Prevention of Pest Developments 4 1.3 Schedule of Pest & Rodents Control 5 2 Rodent Control 6 2.1 Characteristics, Habits and Behaviour 6 2.2 Rodent Prone Areas 7 2.3 Exclusion 7 2.4 Sanitation 7 2.5 Controlling Methods 8 2.6 Schedule 8 2.7 Presents Systems of Rodent Control 8 2.8 On Board Rodents Control System (Improved System) 9 2.9 Rat Vanisher Repellent.... a trial 11 2.10 Rodent Proof Structure (Adopted New Concept) 12 2.11 Plugging of Rat Holes inside the coaches 12 2.12 Guidelines of Rodent Control in Coaches 15 2.13 Coach Locations where Glue Boards & Wire Cages 16 kept 2.14 Result of Treatment 17 2.15 Guidelines of Rodent Control in Pit lines / Coaching 17 Depots yards. 2.16 Result of Treatment 20 2.17 List of Rodenticide 20 2.18 Disposal of Rats 21 3 Cockroaches Control 22 Characteristics, Habits and Behaviour 22 3.1 Cockroaches Prone Areas 23 3.2 Schedule of disinfestation of coaches 23 3.3 Exclusion 24 3.4 Sanitation 24 3.5 Controlling Method 24 3.6 General Precautions 24 3.7 Procedure for Disinfestation 24 3.8 Bait Application (Dot Gel) 30 3.9 List of Pesticide 32 3.10 Fogging 32 3.11 XI

3.12 List of Pesticide for Fogging 32 3.13 Result of the Treatment 33 3.14 Guidelines of Cockroaches Control 33 4 Bedbugs Control 34 Characteristics, Habits & Behaviour 34 4.1 Bedbugs Prone Areas 35 4.2 Schedule of disinfestation of Ac & Non AC coaches 35 4.3 Procedure of Disinfestation 35 4.4 Guidelines of bedbugs control in coach 37 4.5 Fumigation Treatment 38 4.6 Guidelines of Coach Fumigation 39 4.7 List of Pesticides 41 4.8 Passenger Feedback System 42 5 Passenger Feedback form 42 5.1 General Instructions & Precautions 43 6 Chemical Reaction or Symptoms 44 6.1 First Aid 44 6.2 Storage 44 6.3 Disposal 44 6.4 Factors affecting on Pest Control Treatment and its 45 7 Remedies COVID -19 48 8 What is Novel Coronavirus 48 8.1 What is COVID-19? 49 8.2 Common Symptoms of COVID-19 49 8.3 Characteristics – Structure, Infection, Incubation period 49 8.4 and Risks of Coronavirus Coronavirus Prevention 51 8.5 Cleaning, Sanitation, Sanitization, Sterilization and 53 8.6 Disinfection How soaps kill the Coronavirus? 54 8.7 How to Protect Railway from Coronavirus? 54 8.8 Guidelines on Disinfection and Sanitization against 55 8.9 COVID-19 in Railways The Guidelines for Preparing fresh 1% Sodium 58 8.10 Hypochlorite Solution Precautions 58 8.11 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 59 8.12 Ultraviolet (UV) Sanitization 59 8.13 References 62 XII

Chapter - 1 Introduction of Pest Control Pest Control is essential to prevent and control the Pests and Rodents in coaches. Cockroaches, Bedbugs, Mosquitoes and Rodents are nuisance to travelling passengers and potential health hazard. What is Pest: -A pest is any living organism which competes with human, domestic animals or desirable plants for food or water. They spread diseases to mankind and harm the environment. In other words pest is an insect which affect human being, animal, food supply & also property. It can be divided into three groups. 1. Rodents:- Such as mice and rats. 2. Insects:- such as houseflies, cockroaches, ants, bedbugs, mosquitoes and a variety of other insects. 3. Birds:- Such as wild pigeons, magpies and sparrows. These pests eat and spoil food. They also transfer to the food the food poisoning bacteria they carry on their bodies and in their excreta. What is Pest Control: - The regulation or management of species (pest) which impacts adversely on human activities. OR The process of controlling the pest which affects adversely on human being and its activities. Pest control is a programmed of eradicating pests. A pesticide is called a chemical, used to control or eliminate pests. Insects are probably the larger pests. Many insects transmit diseases such as malaria and typhus. Some insects destroy or cause heavy damage to valuable vegetation. Various chemicals are used by manufacturer for preparing the pesticides. Why to Control Pests? 1. For clean environment. 2. Diseases free environment. 3. To stop the rapid growth of pests. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 1

1.1 Methods of Pest Control:- 1) Physical Pest Control (Mechanical Pest Control) :- In this method, the use of hands-on techniques as well as simple equipment and devices, which provides a protective barrier that will prevent further destruction. This method in which directly catch, trap, kill or remove the pest. e.g.:- i) Previously, Local people or paid rat catcher caught and kill the rodents by using dogs and dog-van traps on domestic scale. ii) Previously, Gardens Guns were used for shooting snakes, rodents, birds and other pests at very close. It is short range weapons for 15-20 yards distance. iii) Glue boards, wire cages, spring traps are used to trap the rodents. 2) Biological Pest Control:- Biological control or bio-control is a method of controlling pests such as insects, mites, weedsetc. Natural enemies of insect pests, also known as biological control agents, Biological control can have side- effects on biodiversity through attacks on non-target species by any of the same mechanisms, especially when a species are introduced without thorough understanding of the possible consequences. This method is also called Ecological method. This is a method of controlling pests by using their natural enemies. It is used in large scale area. 3) Environmental Pest Control: - The surrounding of the pest is changed in such a way, it becomes unfavourable for its growth. It can be achieved by removing food stuff needed for the growth of the pest of draining swamps. E.g. Mosquitoes control. 4) Agriculture Pest Control: - Involves cultivation of such crops which are resistant to pests. It may be achieved using biotechnology and genetic engineering. Another method for removal is crop rotation. It involves the use of various methodologies or techniques aimed at providing an unfavourable condition for the pests. E.g. Land preparation, weeding, seed treatment. 5) Chemical (Pesticide) Pest Control:- A Pesticide is called a chemical, used to control or eliminate pests. Pesticides are formulated to kill pests. This is a common method for controlling pests such as rats, mice, ants, cockroaches, bedbugs etc. It is used in large scale area for controlling the pest. It is faster and more effective method compared to others. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 2

Many pesticides have detrimental effects on non-target species. The efficacy of chemical pesticides tends to diminish over time. This is because anyorganism that manages to survive the initial application will pass on its genes to its offspring and a resistant strain will be developed. In this way, some of the most serious pests have developed resistance and are no longer killed by pesticides. This necessitates higher concentrations of chemical, more frequent applications and a movement to more expensive formulations. a) Poisoned bait: - Poisoned bait is a common method for controlling rats, mice, birds, slugs, snails, ants, cockroaches and other pests. The basic granules, or other formulation, contain a food attractant for the target species and a suitable poison. Baits dangerous to children and household pets these are cumulative poisons, requiring bait stations to be topped up regularly Poisoned meat has been used for centuries to kill animals. b) Insulation:- It is a process to coat the wall with agents which acts as barrier. The insulation wall of structure can provide the control of common pests. Boron, a known pesticide can be impregnated into the paper fibers of cellulose insulation at certain levels to achieve a mechanical barrier for self- grooming insects such as ants, cockroaches, termites, and more. c) Fumigation: -It isa process of pest control in which an area is completely filled with gaseous pesticide or fumigants to suffocate or poison the pest within. It is used to control the pests in compact area of building, soil, coach etc. Fumigation is the treatment of a structure to kill pests such as wood-boring beetles by sealing it or surrounding it with an airtight cover such as a tent, and fogging with liquid insecticide for an extended period, typically of 06 –72 hours. This is costly and inconvenient as the structure cannot be used during the treatment, but it targets all life stages of pests. An alternative, space treatment, is fogging or misting to disperse a liquid insecticide in the atmosphere within a building without evacuation or airtight sealing, allowing most work within the building to continue, at the cost of reduced penetration. Contact insecticides are generally used to minimise long lasting residual effects. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 3

1.2Prevention of Pest Developments:- In Home, Cities, Railway Premises - Station Yards, Pit Lines and Trains- Coaches many unwelcome animals visit or make their home in residential buildings, industrial sites and urban areas. Some contaminate foodstuffs, damage structural timbers, chew through fabrics or infest stored dry goods. Some inflict great economic loss, others carry diseases or cause fire hazards, and some are just a nuisance. Control of these pests has been attempted by improving sanitation and garbage control, modifying the habitat, and using repellents, growth regulators, traps, baits, pesticides and sometimes sterilizations. Sanitation is crucially important to reduce the initial pest population and prevent development of pests. The efficient way of dealing with pests, is to avoid creating pest friendly conditions. The pests are seen especially in dirty , dark, traffic and humid area. Therefore to keep environment clean. Sterilization is the process of eliminating or deactivating all forms of life and biological agents present such as fungi, bacteria, viruses. It can be achieved by means of heat, chemicals, high pressure, irradiation and filtration. It is a form of disinfection, sanitization and pasteurization. The best way to control a pest infestation is to prevent developments from happening. These are two main ways to prevent and control the presence of insects, rodents and other pest. i) Block entry points (exclusion):- Eliminating the entry points for pests, will help to keep them out of the establishment. This could include patching holes in walls. In addition to this, inspecting food shipments for signs of pests and rodents can help to keep the pests out of the establishments. ii) Eliminating sources of food, water and shelter:- Pests are always on the hunt for food, water and shelter. Denying pests those necessities will deter them from entering and staying in our area. Some common ways to keep food and shelter from pests include- 1. Storing food away from walls and at least six inches off the floor. 2. Sealing work place equipment to the floor or raising it at least six inches above floor. 3. Disposing trash carefully and regularly. 4. Keeping dumpster areas clean. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 4

1.3 Schedule of Pest & Rodents Control:- A Schedule for Pest Control and Rodent control in passenger coaches and also for Rodent control in the coaching depot, Yards and Station premises drawn by Railway board. All reserved coaches (Both AC & Non- AC) and Pantry cars have been covered under the ambit of Pest and Rodent Control in trains and coaching depot premises are given below. Based on local conditions and the levels of infestations, may also consider providing the Pest Control treatment in unreserved coaches. The frequency of treatment in the coaches and depot premises are as under – 3.1 Pest Control- Sr. Descriptions Frequency of Treatment No Fortnightly 1 AC coaches Fortnightly Fortnightly in first 03 months 2 Pantry Cars thereafter monthly 3 Non-AC Coaches Monthly & (Reserved) 4 Non-AC Coaches (Un-reserved) 3.2 Rodents Control- Sr. Descriptions Frequency of Treatment No Every primary maintenance 1 AC coaches 2 Pantry Cars Every primary maintenance 3 Non-AC Coaches ( Weekly Reserved & Unreserved) 4 Depot premises Monthly Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 5

Chapter – 2 Rodent Control Rodent commonly known as rat is major enemy of mankind. It is essentially a pest of food and fodder. Rats are major group of pests, which are of great economic important due to their destructive role in problems of food, health of man and daily use articles. Rodents such as rats and mice are troublesome pest for storage of food. Rodents can chew through the wood and other material to get to food sources. They are good climbers and can squeeze through small openings. Rats and mouse population can rapidly build, consume and destroy food, property and transmit 35 types communicable diseases to man. A lot of money is spending on pest control activity in Indian railways. The rodent control is more costly than any other pest control. Approximately 70% amount of the total cost of pest control is consumed for rodent control only. 2.1 Characteristics, Habits and Behaviour:- 1. The house mouse is the small, slender rodent notices in coaches. Rodents can chew through wood and other materials to get to food sources. 2. This house mice are prolific. Rat is having high fertility rate. Female can produce 6 to 12 young in 21 days, and sexual maturity is reached at 3 months. A female rat delivers 4-6 litter and maximum up to 13 litters annually. 3. A single mouse eats only about 3 grams of food per day (2.4 pounds per year) but destroy more food that it consumes. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 6

4. A mouse normally travels an area approx averaging 10 to 30 feet (3m to 9 m) in diameter to obtain the food. They obtain water from the food they eat. 5. Mouse holes are often 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) or less, where as rat holes are 2 inches (5cm) or larger. 6. Rat can enter in openings larger than ¼ inch (0.6 cm) and can jump as high as 18 inches (46 cm) from a floor onto an elevated surface. They are good climber and can squeeze through small opening. 7. Mice have the habit of nibbling on many foods and discarding partially eaten items. 8. Mice are colour blinds; therefore dyes can be used in bites to identify them for reasons of safety. 9. The average house mouse lives between 2 and 5 years. 10. Rat Hates Scents: Ammonia – defers mice, Moth balls, Chilli oil or powder, Terminix, & Peppermint oil is the best repellent. Peppermint oil, castor oil and citronella oil drive rats away. Use cotton balls soaked in these oil just spread a little oil around where the rats are staying. 2.2 Rodents Prone Areas:- They found in-- 1. AC and Non AC coaches, 2. Depot premises, station yard and pit line areas. 3. Drainage areas, near water and areas where the food sources available. 2.3 Exclusion:- A lack of water or food with adequate moisture content can inhibit their population, growth. Because of their limited movements and feeding behaviour mice can be difficult to control in some situations. The most important control method for rodents is rodent proof structure. 2.4 Sanitation:- Sanitation is an effective tool with the use of rodent proofing techniques and population reduction methods. Good sanitation aids in mice control by - a) Permitting easier detection of mouse sign, b) Increasing the effectiveness of traps and bites by reducing food source. c) Reducing the growth of mouse population Regular removal of debris, trash, tall grass and control of weeds around premises will reduce shelter available to rodents. Stack fire wood 18inch off the ground. Maintaining a clean 3 foot wide (1m) weed free area around office building and its premises, concrete slabs and footings discourages rodents from burrowing as well as eliminating of food source. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 7

1. Do not provide shelter, 2. Do not provide food sources. 2.5 Controlling Methods: - 1. Trapping:- Glue boards / Wire Cage, 2. Baiting :- Food items with chemical i.e. Zinc Phosphate with Oil & Atta, with Coriander, with Fish etc., 3. Burrow fumigation:- Aluminium Phosphate Tablets in depot premises. 4. Hole sealing (Plugging) 2.6 Schedule :- 1. AC Coaches & Pantry cars = during every primary maintenance 2. Reserved & unreserved Non AC coaches = Weekly 3. Depot premises = Monthly Many complaints of rodents in AC and Sleeper coaches are being increasingly reported by travelling passengers in trains, therefore need to control / eliminate is the priority. The conventional system was not effective enough as rodents are entering into the coaches from primary and secondary terminals. Therefore to overcome short comings of present system on board rodent control system was developed with the idea of “Always on” system in place which will trap rodent as and when it sneaked into AC coaches. 2.7 Presents System of Rodents Control: In the present system, coaching yards and station yards are being targeted for rodent control with the help of a poison tablets / cakes and mechanical trap / Cage as shown below. Apart from this, Glue boards are laid in the primary ac coaches during its primary maintenance in the yards. These Glue boards are removed from the rake when the rake is ready to dispatch for passenger service. Poison Tablets / Cakes Mechanical trap / Cage Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 8

This system is not effective because of various maintenance activities are going on in the coaching yard, rodents remain hidden in the AC coaches and come out in the night times when the coach is on run and passengers are settled. Moreover rodents also get inside the coach from secondary coaching depot and station yards or whenever the rake is stable. 2.8 On Board Rodents Control System (Improved System): In the Improved system, a Glue Board called “TRUBLE GUM” has been used. Photograph of Glue Board is given as under- Glue Board / Glue Pad To use this Glue Boards, 4 to 5 inches wide area is cordoned off below the partition walls of berth no 21 and 25 in ACCW Coaches and berth no 28 and 33 in ACCN coaches. Idea is to provide a strip of glue boards, below one of the inner berths, in the middle along the coach length. The set of 1 inch square wire screens of 9 inches height and six feet long is required for this work as shown in photo Wire screen 9 Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways

9 inches wide and 6 feet long wire screens to be fitted below inner berth at the coach centre. The screens are welded with 4 mm rods of 2.5 inches length in horizontal direction (6 rods per screens) and 4 mm rods of 3 inches to 4 inches length in vertical directions at every 6 to 8 inches interval along with the length of the screen. These two screens are fitted below the long berth, 1 screen from each side of existing partition below the berth. The purpose of providing these two screens is to create an enclosure for laying Glue Boards inside the confined space in such a manner that – 1. Passenger luggage do not come in contact with Glue Boards as glue is very sticky and water proof and creates nuisance if got stuck up with passenger luggage. 2. Rats can freely move over these Glue Boards but cannot cross below the berth without crossing these boards. 3. The final system after fitting the screens and laying Glue Boards inside it looks likephotograph given below- Final assembly of screen inside coach 4. These 4 mm dia. bars are provided to create a 3 to 4 inches gap between coach floor and wire screen. All bars/ Pins must touch coach floor. 6 to 8 inches interval between two adjacent bars. This improved system is useful for controlling the rodents in coaches. But for the effective control / elimination of the rodents, required to search another alternative trick / idea. As the rodents remains hidden in the AC coaches and come out in silent periods i.e. when the maintenance activities completed or passengers settled down during coach run. The rodents are also get inside coaches from secondary coaching depots, station yards or wherever rake is stable. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 10

2.9 Rat Vanisher Repellent.... a trial:- Rat Vanisher Repellent is a herbal product having a mild mint smell which hates rodents and ran away from it. Rat Vanisher Repellents tied with nylon wire 04 no inside the AC coaches below the passenger seats, at lower side of the grill of 1st, 3rd, 7th last 9th bay along with the glue board at 5th bay at middle portion of the coach and 02 no provided at ETL control panel as shown in photos. Rat Vanisher Repellent Rat Vanisher fitted below the passenger seat After 01 month, replaced it with new. This trial was conducted for 03 months. The Rat Vanisher Repellents fitted in coaches, expected to eliminate the rats but it noticed that the rats were stuck on glue pads. It shows the ineffectiveness of repellents motto. The aim is to eliminate the rats is not fulfilled. Since, it needs to search more effective alternatives again. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 11

2.10 Rodent Proof Structure (Adopted New Concept):- After conducting the several trials and going through the study, investigation, it is observed that the rodents are entered in coaches from outside and the rat holes are available inside the coach flooring, below washbasin-dustbin area, ETL panel flooring area and vestibule shutter area etc. The rats may enter in the coaches from these holes. Further, the rats moves to their colonies through sun-mica sheet joint gaps which were available inside the coach and ETL panel holes provided for the cable passing. The rodents housing /colonies are situated at coach’s turn under portion, water tank area (at upper side of lavatory), and AC duct and vestibule shutter crevice. It is also noticed that all maintainers are controlling the rodents by trapping (Glue pads, Cages) or killing with poisonous chemicals but nobody are trying to eliminate it. Only removing, trapping and killing rodents will not keep the rodents out of coaches and trains, needs to modify the structure also. To keep the rats and mice away permanently required to prevent acess by sealing all entry points and there housings where they play of hide and seek with us. It is most important concept to eliminate the rodents from railways. The prime aim is to eliminate the rodents from coaches /trains, decided and adopted to modify the structure after long research and analysis. To make rodent proof structure in coaches, started to implement and developed the system first time in Solapur Division of primary rake maintainted coaches/trains. Since in addition to above all systems, this invented and adopted new concept to make Rodent Proof Structure must be required to eliminate the rodents not only from the Coaches but also from the Railways and its premises. The rat holes sealing or plugging inside the coaches are essential. 2.11 Plugging of Rat Holes inside the coaches:- Rat holes inside ac and non ac coaches plugged by fitting steel mesh, PVC/Sunmica Sheet patches with glue, nails and screws etc. as shown below. These rat holes were available at ETL pannel, below wash basin-dust bin areas of coaches, LP Sheet joints and cavities near coach flooring area etc. It avoids to prepare the rodent housing at turn under of the coaches. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 12

Rat hole inside ETL panel After patch work inside ETL panel Gap below dustbin area After patch work below dustbin area Rat hole below dustbin area After Patch work below dustbin area Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 13

Gap in between Sun- mica sheet joints After patch work at lower berth Rat hole created at berth pillar After patch work of berth pillar Hole below dustbin area After patch work below dustbin area Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 14

2.12 Guidelines of Rodent Control in coaches:- 1. Clean the coach thoroughly. Vacate all dustbins inside the coaches and Wash, weep and dry it properly at outside the coach. Before keeping all dustbins inside coaches, ensure dry dustbins, dry place, area where it is to be kept in coach. 2. All the available rat holes should be plugged inside the coaches by using PVC / Sun-mica sheet with glue, nails and screws etc. as shown in 2.11. These plugged rat holes or openings should be checked at 15 days intervals, if notices re-open, re-plug it again. 3. During the primary maintenance food based attractants wire cages and Glue Boards of reputed make shall be provided at the below locations - Sr. Type of coach No. Of Glue Boards & Wire Cages No to be placed AC-I One Glue Boards in each cabin, coupe, attendant 1 cubicle and Electrical control panel & minimum one Wire Cage in coach Other AC coaches 4 Nos. Glue Boards In passenger compartment 2 and 1 in Electrical control panel & minimum one Wire Cage in each coach 3 Pantry Cars 6 Nos.Glue Boards & minimum 02Wire Cages in each Pantry Cars Reserved & Unreserved 4 Nos. Glue Boards In Passenger Compartment 4 non-AC coaches & minimum one Wire Cage in each coach The quantity of Glue Boards and Wire Cages depending on the severity may be increased or decreased. 1. Glue Boards are taken off from the coaches at the end of Primary maintenance. 2. Rats/ Rodents trapped in the Glue Boards are removed before departure of train & dead/live rats are disposed of. 3. 02 nos. Glue-Boards shall continue to remain AC-I, AC-II & Pantry car for the entire leg of journey. 4. 02 Glue Boards shall also remain in all AC-III coaches instead of providing 02 spare glue boards to OBHS staff or ac attendants for specific requirement/complaints en-route. If required OBHS staff or ac attendant can remove it from AC-III for emergency use. 5. These Glue Boards must be replaced whenever they become ineffective for trapping rodents. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 15

6. Other devices as deemed fit by contractor such as Rat traps, guards on cables, ultrasonic devices etc. may also be used in addition. 2.13 Coach Locations where Glue Boards & Wire Cages kept:- Inside ETL panel All coupe’s in first AC First & last bay near side body in Non AC Rat Bait Station in FAC & AC First bay of the coach in Non AC First bay of the coach in AC Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 16

2.14 Result of Treatment: Rats trapped inside coaches Rats stuck on glue pads The Rodents are entering into the coaches from Primary and Secondary Coaching Depots, Station Yards and wherever rakes stabled. The Rodent Control Treatment must be done at stabling lines of Secondary Terminals / Coaching Depot, Station Yards. Note: Don’t allow to keep the food attractant poison bait for rats, inside coaches because if rat ate poison bait, ran away to search oxygen / water. It may be dead near water tanks which are available above the lavatory of the coach or at ac ducts or turn under portion of coach, sneaked through small openings. After 2-3 days, a very bad smell will come out, due to decomposition of its body. It may create passenger complaints. At that time it becomes very difficult to search dead rat and remove it. 2.15 Guidelines of Rodent Control in Pit lines / Coaching Depots yards. 1. The purpose of rodent control in Pit line/ Coaching Depots yards are to have complete eradication of the rats menace, the yard has to be providing with rodent control treatment. As the rats are found in the coaches and getting into the train from station/Yard burrows. 2. On Commencement of contract, on 1st day contractor and railway shall jointly survey entire area to locate pocket Burrows and simultaneously plug all the burrows with soil, broken glasses and stones etc. as shown in photos below....... Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 17

Rat pocket burrow at depot premises Plugging by using -- broken glasses Plugging by using-- glass and soil Plugging by using-- stones and soil 3. On next day active burrows shall be treated with aluminium phosphide (or equivalent) fumigant tablets and laced Food Attractant Baits as shown in photos below.... Fumigant tablet keeping during Food attractant bait using tomato in plugging burrow Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 18

Food attractant bait using pakoda in Food attractant bait using aata burrow mixure in burrow Food attractant bait using coriander in Food attractant bait using coriander pouch keeping at Pit line drainage pipe keeping at Pit line drainage pipe ** Food Attractant Bait- a mixture consisting of with Zinc phosphide chemical with (a) Wheat powder & Oil (Atta), (b) coriander , (c) Tomato ,(d) Pakoda etc. Some mixture of food attractant baits as shown in photos. Food attractant bait-using atta &oil Food attractant bait-using coriander 19 Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways

4. From second month onwards, baiting should be done on fortnightly basis or as and when required. Burrow fumigation treatment should also be done on monthly basis or as and when required. 5. All dead Rats/ Rodents found shall be disposed off suitably same day by contractor. The disposal of dead/ live Rats /Rodents must not cause any environmental hazard. Maximum Tolerance: A maximum tolerance of +7 days shall be provided in the frequency of pest/ Rodent Control treatment in coaches to take care of operational exigencies and disturbance in rake links etc. 2.16 Results of Treatment: Dead rat at pit line area Dead rat at pit line area 2.17 List of Rodenticide:- 1. Anticoagulants & Glue Boards/pads, Wire Cages 2. Bromadiolone: 0.005% RB 3. Aluminium Phosphide Tablets 4. Zinc Phosphide: Technical, 2%RB Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 20

2.18 Disposal of Rats:- The trapped live rats should be released in isolated areas i.e. ideally, 06 miles away from railway premises. So they won’t be able to find their way back. The dead rats may cause the environmental hazard. It may affects on health of human being. The Rats and mice can transmits 35 diseases to humans. The disposal of dead rats are very important. To make the area clean, hygiene and maintain the environment balance. The following steps to be followed- 1. Wear a rubber hand gloves. 2. Spray the disinfectant or bleaching powder on dead rodents and its surrounding areas. 3. Put a dead rodent in a polythene bag. 4. Collect all residuals of dead rodents i.e. soiled objects, including feces, nesting material or food etc. Put in bag. 5. Seal the bag, to avoid the contamination with surrounding air. (Spread germs, bacteria or viruses). 6. Bury the dead rat in isolated area & disinfected with bleaching powder. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 21

Chapter - 3 Cockroaches Control Cockroaches are primitive insects whose origin can be traced back through the fossil record for atleast 200 million years.There are more than 4,000 species of cockroaches world wide. Cockroaches are common in commercial premises associated with the production or handling of food. Cockroches carry 33 kinds of bicteria, diarrhea or gastroenterities, deposit geams on food & utensile. They can gather together in large numbers causing food poisoning. Therfore needs to be effectively controlled for the public health. Poor sanitation and hygine, structural disrepair and poor house keeping contribute to large populations of cockroaches. Commonly German, American, Australian & Oriental cockroches are found household cockroaches. 3.1 Characteristics, Habits & behaviour:- 1. Cockroaches are gregarious and nocturnal. 2. They are collective decision- making when choosing food sources. 3. Cockroaches are small size pests, so they can easily hide in cracks and crevices. Cockroaches can fit through an opening as small as 1/16 inch in width. 4. They spend the day time hours hiding in cracks crevies arround the sources of food and water such as sinks, drains, cookers, bathrooms, kitchen and the back of cupboards etc. Cockroaches are mainly active at night but maybe commonly seen at other times when infestations are severe. 5. Cockroaches prefer warm,dark and humid environment. 6. A cockroach can live for a week without its head and can hold its breath for 40 minutes. Some species can even withstand freezing temperatures. 7. Cockroaches are indiscriminate, omnivorous feeders. So many types of food are attractive to them including sugars, proteins and fats. 8. Cockroaches can survive for up to one month without food and two weeks without water. 9. Cockroaches are oval flattened and very fast for their size and can run up to three miles in an hour. 10. They have high fertility rate. A female cockroach and her offspring can produce as many as 20,000 – 30000 cockroaches in one year, depending on types of cockroaches. 11. A female cockroach may lay 4 to 90 capsules, each capsule is having 14 to 160 eggs, hatch in 28 to 75 days, depending on types of cockroaches. 12. Life span of cockroaches are 168 - 786 days, depending on types of cockroaches. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 22

13. Cockroaches hates the scent of fresh citrus. Cockroaches life cycle:- Types of Cockroaches:- 3.2 Cockroaches Prone Areas:- Cockroaches are found in-- 1. Dark, warm and moist areas, most cockroaches hide in dark specified areas in day. 2. Dustbin, lavatoris and wash basin areas. 3. Inside electrical pannels. 4. Kitchen cabinets. 5. Waste food lying, dirty places i.e uncleaned area. 3.3 Schedule of disinfestation of coaches:- Sr. No Type of coach Frequency of treatment 1 AC coaches Fortnightly Fortnightly in first 03 months & 2 Non-AC (Reserved) there after monthly Monthly 3 Non-AC (Un-reserved) Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 23

3.4 Exclusion:- Exclude the cockroach population out of their hiding places in the structure, especially within three to four feet of their food source. Seal cracks, crevices and electrical access points. 3.5 Sanitation :- Remove debris that has accumulated, clean up dirty areas routinely and secure food supplies. In general, employ good houskeeping practices and must eliminate unsanitary conditions. 3.6 Controlling Method:- 1. Chemical control 2. Bait application (Dot gel) 3. Fogging 3.7 General Precautions :- 1. The insecticide / chemicals should be changed frequently i.e. 03 months interval. Sothat the insects do not acquire immunity for any types of insects. 2. Avoid water stagnation in toilets, doorways etc. 3. Keep the coach clean and dry. 3.8 Procedure for Disinfestation :- Spraying of Insecticide :- The combination of insecticide and water with appropreate dilution ratio, mixed together in spray pump and spray in the crevices and corners in the coaches. Spray the water & chemical mixture 4.6 liters i.e. one pump for each (GS,SCN) Non ac coaches, 9.2 liters (two pumps) for each Ac coaches and 13.8 liters for Pantry cars ( three pumps). A) The following specified location- in AC Coaches:- Rolling shutters crevice Berth beading Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 24

Berth beading Berth pillar crevice Between two seat area Below lower berth Inside berth pocket Berth Rexene folds Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 25

Side seat/berth beading Snack table crevice Electrical panel crevice Dust bin area Inside linen cupboard Corner linen cupboard Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 26

Inside toilet Luggage area B) The following specified location- in Non AC Coaches:- Vestibule Rolling shutters crevice Below wash basin and dustbin area Below wash basin area Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 27

Lavatory main door corner & crevice Side berth joint area Long seat crevice Seat underneath Side seat Hand rest area Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 28

Under toilet &vestibulearea Dust bin & PLC panelarea C) The following specified location- in Pantry Car Coaches:- Servicearea Bottle coolerarea Storage cupboard Kitchen table Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 29

3.9 Bait Application (Dot Gel) :- The food attractant Bait is available in the form of Gel. It is optimally placed in cracks in kitchen cabinets (pantry), kitchen appliances, beneath the seats, snacks table, dustbin area, gang ways, at berths or below berths, all corners, each and every crack and crevices etc. inside a coach. The cockroaches attract for eating, towards the food attractant baits. After eating the bait/gel by cockroaches, it will die slowly and due to omnivorous nature of cockroach this dead cockroaches will be eaten by another cockroach, will also die slowly, and cycle continue. Thus it helps in eradication of cockroaches drastically. The following specified location- Below Fire Extinguisher holder Seat Underneath Below Snack tables Seat Underneath Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 30

Inside coach ventilator Under side lower Dustbin corner Dustbin pipe & nearby area Snack table folding area Dustbin area Below wash basin in toilet Below dustbin area Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 31

3.10 List of Pesticide:- Sr. No Pesticides Formulation Dilution 20 ml/Litre 1 Deltamethrin 2.5% wp 10 ml/Litre 2 Cyfluthrin 5% ew 10 ml/Litre 3 Cyphenothrin-S 5% EC 15 to 20 ml/Litre 4 Cypermethrin 10% wp 10 to 20 ml/Litre 5 Beta Cyfluthrin 2.45% SC 20 ml/Litre 6 Propoxure 20% EC 7 Smoke Generator Canon For Fogging For fogging 8 Deltamethrin 1.25% ULV As per required 9 Eco-Friendly (Herbal) Dot gel 3.11 Fogging:- To eradicate cockroaches & rat menace particularly in pantry cars & AC coaches, fogging treatment is necessary. 1. Fogging is to be done, before the coach booked for IOH and POH. or once in a month depending on the condition of coach. 2. The coach should be closed properly to avoid escaping the generated smoke through the gaps. The gaps of entire coach should to be sealed with news paper. 3. After the fogging treatment, coach should be kept in closed condition for the period of 06 hrs. Smoke generator Canon smoke 3.12 List of Pesticides for Fogging:- 1. Smoke Generator machine - Mixing of 10 ml Deltamethrin 1.25% UVL with 01 Ltr. diesel 2. Canon smoke- Minimum 01Can or container per coach. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 32

3.13 Result of the treatment:- Dead cockroaches Dead cockroaches 3.14 Guidelines of Cockroaches Control:- 1. The insecticide and water with suitable dilution ratio, mixed together in pump and spray in the crevices and corners in the coaches. (as shown in coach locations 3.8- A & B) 2. Spray the water- chemical mixture 4.6 liters (i.e. one pump) for each (GS,SCN) Non AC coaches, 9.2 liters (two pumps) for each Ac coaches and 13.8 liters ( three pumps) for Pantry cars. 3. The chemical reaction and attenuation of chemical residual will take 03 to 04 hrs; since the coach should be kept in closed conditions, for effectiveness. 4.Check the entire coach for cockroaches at all suspected areas i.e.at berths, below berths; Rolling shutters crevices, Vestibules, toilet crevice, linen cupboard, linen rack, luggage rack,Wash basin below and inside area, below wash basin and dustbin area, near Snack table, etc. 5. In case of heavy infestation, spray the insecticide at all suspected areas and cover below lavatory trough floor, vestibule & around bogie, also. 6. As per requirement the coach can plan for fogging (depending on coach condition) 7. If Cockroaches notices again, use the bait (dot gel) application. 8. Apply the dot gel in cracks in beneath the seats, snacks table, dustbin area, gang ways, all corners, each and every crack and crevices etc. inside a coach. at berths or below berths. (As shown in 3.9) Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 33

Chapter - 4 Bedbugs Control Bedbugs are nocturnal, reddish brown, small wingless insects and suck the blood of human and other warm blooded animal. There are less than 90 species of blood sucking insect family, only 3 feed on humans. 1) Cimex hemipterus, 2) Leptocimex boueti & 3) Cimex lectularius. The most common species of bed bug is Cimex lectularius. They cause a lot of trouble in homes, hotels, offices, & public transport- railway. This is because most of the populations stay in shared accommodations. 4.1. Characteristics, Habits & Behaviour:- 1. Bedbugs are around 5 to 6 mm long before a blood meal, extending to about 7 mm when fully engorged. Their mouths are pointed for piercing and sucking. Eggs are milky white in colour of grain in size. (approx.1mm) where adult are rusty red brown. 2. Female bedbugs delivered 3-8 eggs at a time and 200 to 500 eggs over a 2 month period. 3. The adult female must have a blood meal before egg-laying. 4. Eggs hatch within 7-12 days at room temperature, the young bedbugs called Nymphs is beige- coloured before feeding, and turns a reddish colour after getting meal. 5. There are 7 stages of lifecycle i.e. egg to fully grown adult which can be taken from 45 days to one year. 6. Bedbugs can survive for a weeks to months without feeding. 7. Bedbugs live in dry and cold climate. They can survive and active at low temperature i.e. -160 C and die when their body temperature reaches to 450 C. 8. The typical Lifespan of a bedbug is 50 days to over a year depending on favourable conditions: darkness, warmth, and carbon dioxide. 9. Bedbugs feed on human blood and are attracted to body heat and CO2 from sleeping humans. They inject an anaesthetic when they pierce the skin, so the bite can go unnoticed at first. 10. Bed bugs usually visit their host for a blood feed just before drawn. When alarmed they move quickly and emit an odour. 11. Bedbug hates scents of fresh mint, solution of garlic, alcohol, cinnamons powder, & essential oils include peppermint, lavender, thyme, lemon juice etc. Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 34

4.2 Bedbugs Prone Areas:- 1. Bedbugs are found in crack and crevices, headboards, behind peeling wallpaper, broken plaster, light switches, under carpets and skirting boards etc. So they are near to people for feeding. 2. Bedbugs found in AC and non AC coaches - dark crevices, cracks, carpets, mattress, joint gaps, bed frames, and hand rests, bed furniture, berth corners, berth pivots, brackets, berth holding flaps and brackets, rexene stitched edges, birth change covers, curtains frills, snack table, berth beading, berth chain, berth rexene pockets, linen cupboard and upholstered furniture. 3. All wooden items. 4.3 Schedule of disinfestation of AC & Non AC coaches:- Frequency of disinfestation for Ac and Non AC coaches are forthnightly and monthly, respectively. 4.4 Procedure of Disinfestation:- The mixture of insecticide chemical with water has to be spread with jet pump in all suspected areas i.e. crevices of hand rests, snack tables, fold of the rexene upholstery and folds of the curtains etc. The chemical reaction and attenuation of chemical residual will take 03 to 04 hrs., the coach should be kept in closed conditions. Chemical spray locations - Inside linen cupboard Corners of linen cupboard Prevention cum control of Pest & Covid - 19 in Indian Railways 35