Key points
- Sleep under a mosquito net if sleeping outside or when screened rooms are not available.
- Buy a mosquito net before traveling overseas.
- Learn how to correctly use a mosquito net.
Prevent mosquito bites
Sleep under a mosquito net
Mosquitoes live outdoors and indoors. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night.
- Sleep under a net if you are outside or when screened rooms are not available.
- Buy a net at an outdoor store or online before traveling overseas.
Choosing a mosquito net
- Buy a net that is compact, white, rectangular with 156 holes per square inch.
- Make sure the net is long enough to tuck under a mattress.
- Look for nets treated with permethrin.
Permethrin-treated mosquito nets
- Permethrin-treated mosquito nets provide more protection than untreated nets.
- Permethrin, an insecticide, kills or repels mosquitoes and other insects.
- Follow label instructions to determine if you can wash a treated mosquito net.
Keep Reading:
Preventing Mosquito Bites While Traveling
Use mosquito nets correctly
Mosquito nets can be hung above a bed or crib to protect against mosquito bites. Adults and children should sleep under a mosquito net if air conditioned and screened rooms are not available.
- Read label instructions.
- Tuck the net under the mattress to keep the mosquitoes out.
- Tuck netting under the crib mattress or select a mosquito net long enough to touch the floor.
- Pull the net tightly to avoid choking hazards for young children.
- Hook or tie the sides of the net to other objects if they are sagging in towards the sleeping area.
- Check for holes or tears in the net where mosquitoes can enter.
- DO NOT hang the net near any candles, cigarettes, or open fires, as it can catch on fire.
- DO NOT sleep directly against the net, as mosquitoes can still bite through holes in the net.