233. WHEN VAPE WAS A MOSQUITO KILLER, NOT AN ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE

FUMAKILLA VAPE, LAUNCH AD, 1966

Today, many young people in particular are into smoking electronic cigarettes or vaping. For some, it is a way to transition from traditional cigarettes to not smoking at all. But most use it to look cool and hip. How exactly does it work?

E-cigarettes heat nicotine extract flavorings to create a water vapor that one inhales. Nicotine is addictive, so whether you are vaping or smoking a traditional cigarette, the risk of harm is still there.

But do you know that as early as 1966, a product with the brand name VAPE, was introduced in the market? No, it was not an alternative smoke gadget,  but an “electronic mosquito destroyer!”

FUMAKILLA VAPE kills mosquitoes by emitting fragrant vapors. No mess…no smoke. All you need is a VAPE mat that you insert in a heating pad. When plugged, the VAPE mat is vaporized to exude invisible vapors that kill mosquitoes safely. The vapors are virtually harmless to animals and humans.

There are even 2 kinds of VAPE pads to choose from—the regular pad and a decorative version with a human bust that conceals the mat.  The gadget is manufactured by FUMAKILLA Limited, and was distributed by Tancho Corporation (of the stick pomade fame).

FUMAKILLA VAPE did not catch on, possibly because it was perceived as more expensive—it required electricity to run. Traditional katols (mosquito coils) however, were more practical as you can light them, and leave them—no electricity needed. Katols have also been used for decades, and are more available (you can buy them from sari-sari stores). Old habits die hard…and in the end, it was FUMAKILLA VAPE that died as the 60s decade came to a close.