Mosquito Nets
Mosquito nets are designed to offer adults, babies and young children protection against mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects. They are available for beds, cots, camp beds and gazebos, as well as having many other uses. Mosquito nets have a very important role to play in the fight against malaria and other insect-borne diseases, not to mention the freedom they give from having to worry about annoying buzzing sounds in your ear when you're trying to relax or sleep!
Mosquito Netting
Mosquito nets are used mainly to cover beds while sleeping, and the fine netting they are made from (usually cotton, nylon or polyester) prevents mosquitoes from getting through and biting, while still providing good ventilation.
It is important to note when buying a mosquito net that the more holes per square inch of netting, the more protection is provided. This can range from anything from around 150 to 500. 156 holes per square inch of mosquito netting is considered standard. A higher density of holes will provide more protection against very tiny flying insects such as midges.
Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets
Mosquito nets can be impregnated with a pyrethroid insecticide to make them more effective, and they will need to be re-impregnated regularly.
How often this needs to be done generally depends on how long the mosquito net has been in use and how many times it has been washed. Some suppliers offer a free insecticide re-impregnation service.
The Different Styles of Mosquito Nets
There is a wide range of mosquito nets available, depending on requirements. There are different colours, sizes and styles (including bell, box and pyramid shapes) to fit over single and double beds, and also for covering cots, playpens, prams and pushchairs, and even chairs and tables on the patio so you can relax without having to worry. Some mosquito nets are designed to make very attractive features in the bedroom.
Mosquito nets can either be suspended from the ceiling by single or multiple hanging points, using cords, hooks, hoops or poles (the hanging kit is either provided with the mosquito net or is available to purchase separately), or they simply spring open and pop into shape automatically when unpacked, and are then fixed in place.
Which style you choose will depend on if the mosquito net is to remain permanently in the same place, or if it will be transported from place to place. Mosquito nets that automatically spring open and are self-supporting are useful when travelling, especially camping, or for using outside in the garden, as there is no hanging to do, and there is no need to find a suspension point.
If a mosquito net is intended for use outdoors, it is worth investing in a net with heavy skirting material to ensure it doesn’t become loose or blow away in wet and windy conditions.
Mosquito Net Installation & Maintenance
Having a mosquito net is a good thing, but it will be next to useless if used carelessly or hung incorrectly. Take great care in following the manufacturers instructions when installing a mosquito net, so as to keep those irritating (and potentially hazardous) hungry mosquitoes out!
Many mosquito nets come with their own small, compact, easily transportable bag to protect the netting from rips and tears, as well as a mosquito net repair kit. Netting repair kits can also be purchased separately.
Mosquito Head Nets
Mosquito head nets offer a good defence during outdoor activities (such as hiking or fishing), where the population of mosquitoes and other flying insects is particularly dense.