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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
