Before You Buy a Mosquito Net

Treated for sure. But which kind? Buy the kind of treated mosquito net that lasts for 3-5 years between treatments! A long lasting ITN or Insecticide Treated Net, has three advantages:

• Mosquito repelling properties last longer, keeping you safer.
• You save money since you don't have to continually buy retreatment kits.
• You save the environment from insecticide you won't have to use.

These nets can last for three years in rugged conditions and after being washed regularly. Kept in cool, dry conditions, these nets can last longer than three years.

Note: Currently only pyrethroid treated nets are approved for use.

A mosquito net should be big enough to be tucked under your mattress or lay on the floor, taped or tacked down. Remember, many mosquitoes know how to go under a net and up to their victim.

Get a mosquito net that is closest to the shape of your bed, usually square. While sleeping, the user does not want his/her body touching the net if possible since mosquitos may bite unprotected skin accessible through the mesh.

Round nets usually drape over a bed in such a way that body contact with the net is more likely.

Hole size should allow for air flow while warding off mosquitoes, around 120-200 holes per square inch.

Whatever you think is pretty. Mosquitos don't have a color preference as far as I know. Mosquito nets come in every conceivable color. Many people choose a net to fit the decor in their house or to blend in with the natural surroundings.

Really cheap mosquito nets are probably not treated, so that's out.

Nets that you treat yourself probably won't get as well treated as the factory can do it and besides, if you get a factory treated long lasting mosquito net you should not have to treat it for at least three years.

Mosquito nets impregnanted with a insecticide resin can last for three-five years. This net is the most expensive kind of mosquito net, but lasts for up to three years under harsh conditions and longer if kept in a cool, dry place. It also survives several washings!

A long lasting insecticide treated net will run you around fifty dollars.

Concern for kids and exposure to insecticide is real, but a child getting an insect-borne diseases such as malaria or dengue fever is a much more real concern. Kids should sleep under the best mosquito nets, those that are impregnated with insecticide.

However, do not let your baby or toddler wad up the net and suck on it. If this is a problem, make sure the net is not accessible to your child while they are sleeping. The net can be stored out of reach of children during the day when the net is not being used.

Good mosquito nets are available in many destinations, but it is always nicer to arrive with a good mosquito net. Pack the kind of mosquito net that has a foldable frame or if you're in a real pinch for space, leave the frame behind, you can find a frame at your destination, it's the net that is most precious.

A polyester or polyamide net is the lightest and long lasting choice. Cotton nets are heavier and prone to moisture absorption.

All treated mosquito nets will need to be retreated eventually, some within months and others, the long lasting insecticide treated nets, not for years.

A net treated with permethrin will need to be treated every 6 months while in use, less if stored in the storage bag that comes with the net. Permethrin is sensitive to sunlight and washings, so store the net in a dark, shady place or inside its own bag.

A long lasting insecticide treated net treated with deltamethrin needs to be treated only after 3-5 years. Of course by then it might be time to buy a new net.

I liked the Travel Medicine web page in general because there are tons of products offered, but as far as mosquito nets go, I could not make out if they offer long lasting insecticide treated nets or not. At any rate, the Travel Medicine site is recommended by the CDC.

Travel Health Help is also recommended by the CDC and offers only one long lasting insecticide treated net and it is the round type.

Know of a good place selling long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets? Let me know! Contact me at birdflu.guide@about.com.