Mosquito Netting Criteria
For effective protection, mosquito nets should fulfill the following:
Mesh size:
Mosquito nets for use in the tropics
should have meshes large enough for
air circulation but as small as possible
to keep out mosquitoes. A mesh size
of 1.2 mm x 1.2 mm is common and recommended.
The mosquito net mesh size recommended
for effective malaria protection is
of 120-200 mesh/square inch. The small
sand fly, however, which also transmits
diseases to humans, can pass through
this mesh size, and can only be avoided
with a small-meshed mosquito net (0.6mm
x 0.6 mm), which in addition should
be impregnated with insecticide. To
purchase high quality mosquito netting
that fits all this criteria, click
here.
Material:
Mosquito nets of polyester or polyamide are usually
lightweight, long-lasting nets, and
are available in different mesh sizes
and thread thickness. On the other
hand, cotton is susceptible to dampness,
and certainly weighs more in the rucksack
than a synthetic net. During a longer
stay in the tropics with a permanent
sleeping site, a cotton net would
be the better alternative, due to
the more pleasant sleeping climate
offered by a natural material, which
can also be sprinkled with water on
hot nights for agreeable coolness
of the air in circulation.
Shape:
Basically, the mosquito net should
be wide enough to cover the person
sleeping without touching the body.
If there is contact between the skin
and the net, chances are that mosquitoes
will find these surfaces and have
a meal. Rectangular mosquito nets
offer the roomiest protection around
a sleeping person, whereas the slanted
sides of tent-shaped or pyramidal
nets allow for less space. At any
rate, the mosquito net should be tucked
under the mattress. Hooks, screws,
thumbtacks, safety pins and string
can be used to attach the net above
the bed. Blankets, pillows etc. can
be used to build a wall around the
body and so avoid body contact with
the mosquito net despite slanted sides.
Click here
to learn more about the optical
inspection of mosquito nets
and the importance of insecticide
impregnation.
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