How to Buy a Mosquito Net

Mosquito nets are a basic precaution for anyone trying to get a safe night's sleep where those pests are present. However, not all mosquito nets are the same, and neither all mosquitoes. There are several things to consider when trying to buy the right mosquito net.

Instructions

1. Consider whether you even need a mosquito net. Most people think about buying a mosquito net because they're traveling to an area where malaria is prevalent. However, a mosquito net is no substitute for taking anti-malarial drugs. If you're going to an area where there aren't clouds of mosquitoes, but the few there are can carry malaria, take your pills and forget the net.

2. Get the right net to match your mobility. If the netting is for a fixed location, you can afford a setup that's more cumbersome, because it isn't being moved often. In this case, get a box net. On the other hand, if you're a backpacker who will be moving around a lot, get a bell or wedge net. Backcountry campers need a dome net.

3. Match your mesh size to the local mosquitoes. A big drawback of mosquito nets is that they limit ventilation and can get pretty stifling. Some have bigger mesh spacing, but these will admit smaller mosquitoes. Do a little research on where the net is going, and match the mesh size to the mosquitoes. If the net is a traveling net that will go many places, get the smallest mesh possible and deal with the heat.

4. Buy a net with permethrin treatment, if you can afford it. This is a non-toxic insecticide that improves the repellent value of the net.

References

• Mosquito Net Advice