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Mosquito net
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A mosquito net offers protection against mosquitos, flies, and other insects, and thus against diseases such as malaria. Its fine, see-through, mesh construction stops many insects from biting and disturbing the person using the net. The mesh is fine enough to exclude these insects, but it does not completely impede the flow of air.
Mosquito nets are often used where malaria or other insect-borne diseases are common, especially as a tent-like covering over a bed.
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Encyclopedia
A mosquito net offers protection against mosquitos, flies, and other insects, and thus against diseases such as malaria. Its fine, see-through, mesh construction stops many insects from biting and disturbing the person using the net. The mesh is fine enough to exclude these insects, but it does not completely impede the flow of air.
Mosquito nets are often used where malaria or other insect-borne diseases are common, especially as a tent-like covering over a bed. For effectiveness, it is important that the netting not have holes or gaps large enough to allow insects to enter. Because an insect can bite a person through the net, the net must not rest directly on the skin.
Mosquito nets treated with insecticides -- known as insecticide treated nets (ITNs) -- were developed in the 1980s for malaria prevention. These nets, impregnated with a pyrethroid insecticide like deltamethrin or permethrin, kill and repel mosquitoes. Unfortunately, standard ITNs must be replaced or re-treated with insecticide after six washes and, therefore, are not seen as a convenient, effective long-term solution to the malaria problem.
As a result, the mosquito netting and pesticide industries teamed up to develop so-called long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets (LLINs), which also use pyrethroid insecticides. There are two types of LLINS, one which binds insecticide to the external surface of the netting fibre and another which incorporates the insecticide into a polyethylene fibre which then releases the insecticide slowly over 5 years. Both types can be washed at least 20 times but physical durability will vary with polyethylene lasting the longest.
Alternatives
Mosquito nets do reduce air flow to an extent and sleeping under a net is hotter than sleeping without one, which can be uncomfortable in tropical areas without air-conditioning.
One alternative for reducing mosquito bites is to use a fan to increase air flow, as mosquitoes prefer still air; however, this is far less effective and mosquito netting is preferable in areas with insect-borne diseases.
Another alternative is to apply an insect repellent to the skin; this also may be less effective (reducing rather than eliminating bites), more expensive, and may pose health risks with long-term use.
Mosquito control measures are often appropriate and effective, but may be impractical to undertake effectively on an individual or small-scale basis.
See also
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