How to Choose the Right Mosquito Net while Outdoor

Author: GE

Dec. 30, 2024

How to Choose the Right Mosquito Net while Outdoor

How to Choose the Best Insect Nets for Traveling and Camping 

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According to the World Health Organization, there were an estimated 627,000 deaths caused by malaria in the year alone. That's nearly as many deaths as Americans experienced due to heart disease (at 697,000)'the leading cause of death for both men and women in the US'in the same year. The estimated number of cases of malaria in was 241 million total worldwide.

 

Although the majority of worldwide malaria cases occur in Africa (over 95% in ), malaria isn't the only insect-borne disease to watch out for. There's Dengue fever in popular tourist destinations like Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, the Zika virus is prevalent in South and Central America, and West Nile and Lyme disease are common even in the United States.

 

Insect nets aren't only for tropical climates and high-risk areas. It's safe to say that whether you're traveling on a mission trip to Africa or embarking on a thru-hike in the U.S., a reliable insect net can be vital to maintaining your comfort, health, and safety.

Choosing the Right Insect Net for Your Needs

At this point, you know you need an insect net, but there are so many different kinds. Are some better than others? Where do you even start? Read on to find a breakdown of options so you can travel with confidence knowing you've chosen insect protection that will keep you healthy and sleeping soundly.

 

The first choice you'll encounter is likely the most personal. Insect nets come in many shapes and sizes. For the sake of this article, we'll focus on insect nets for sleeping. You'll likely come across various shaped nets such as:

  • Pyramid nets: Best for a single sleeping bag or pad
  • Cone nets: Good for sleeping bags but not great for beds or cots
  • Rectangular or box nets: Typically the best option for use with beds and cots
  • Wedge nets: Ideal for a single person in a sleeping bag or on a cot'the low end may touch your feet or legs so ensure they're covered
  • Ridge nets: Similar to wedge nets but provides more space for active sleepers prone to roll around at night
  • Dome nets: These are typically self-supporting structures with an attached floor to cover the ground, similar to a tent

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Again, at this point, this choice is highly personal. You'll want to consider how much space you have in your pack or luggage and how much weight you can accommodate. A net with its own structure or frame won't require points to hang from, but they are often heavier and may be too large for a tight pack or carry-on. Nets without a frame require you to hang them from designated hanging points. These are often lighter and more compact but aren't functional if you aren't sure you'll be in an appropriate location to hang them up.

 

Don't forget to account for the size of your bed or sleeping arrangement. Look for a net that leaves room to roll around if needed. You don't want the insect net resting on your skin during the night'if it doesn't contain insecticide you can still be bitten through the net.

When choosing a material for your insect net, there are pros and cons to each. Consider durability, stiffness or rigidity, and airflow.

What is the best insect net material?

Cotton is the most common natural material used for mosquito nets.

The 'hairy' nature of cotton fiber naturally makes it more difficult for insects to get through the holes of the net.  Unfortunately, cotton nets tend to tear easily, especially if they're being hauled around from location to location. Mosquitos and other insects can easily find their way in through a tear in the net. Cotton nets also have a lower resistance to mold in warm, humid climates.

Synthetics such as nylon (polyamide) and polyester (terylene) are becoming increasingly more popular than cotton.

Polyester and nylon allow for better airflow than cotton'this is particularly important in warm and humid climates. These synthetics are durable and hold their shape well, meaning they will not stretch or be distorted easily. Despite their durability, they're typically light on grams and great for packing light.

White, black, grey, or green. . . Does the color of your insect net matter?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing which color insect net to buy. It's difficult to see bugs through darker, nets whereas you'll see mosquitos and larger insects easily through a white net.

 

But more importantly, consider what the bugs will and will not be attracted to. Insects are attracted to bright, contrasting colors like white, yellow, or orange. Colors like green and blue won't register as vividly when seen in the UV spectrum (outdoors), deterring bugs away from these colored objects.


White nets are better for use indoors where the white color blends in better. White is typically less of a contrast indoors against white walls, carpet, etc. than it ever will be outside where it stands out against the backdrop of sky, grass, trees, or rocks.

 

For outdoor use, a black, grey, or green net is recommended. Green may work better in forests and lush areas. Choose a net color that will best blend in with the intended areas of use. COCOON® outdoor insect nets are available in silt green or grey. We find that these color variations are most effective at blending into the majority of outdoor environments.

 

Keep in mind that a darker net will provide better UV protection during daylight hours. Dark colors repel UV rays. White nets attract them. This is, again, why white nets should only be considered for indoor use and darker insect nets are preferred outdoors.

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Take Extra Precautions When Traveling Through Insect Hot Spots

Carrying along an insect net is always a safe bet. If you're traveling through an area with a high rate of insect-borne illness, it's a necessity.

 

'The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), as they not only are efficient enough to kill mosquitoes and other insects, but they also repel them to a great extent, preventing them from entering the room.' - HomeQuicks

 

Not all nets are treated with insecticide. If you're traveling to a high-risk area, choose a long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN). You can find our favorite Insect Shield (permethrin) treated insect nets here.

WHAT IS INSECT SHIELD® TECHNOLOGY?

Insect Shield® offers powerful, odorless protection, proven to repel biting and disease-spreading insects like mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums).

 

Insect Shield was the result of the U.S. military petitioning the founder of the company to uncover a method in which to bind permethrin to apparel and fabric for long-term effectiveness.  The result was Insect Shield®: A military-grade insect repellant that binds to fabric for up to 70 washes'the average lifespan of most garments.

 

In COCOON® launched a first-of-its-kind complete line of Insect Shield®-infused sleep systems and mosquito nets.  Permethrin has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since . Permethrin has been used in pet care and children's products regulated by the FDA, and carries an excellent safety record.

Travel Safely, Sleep Soundly

The World Health Organization guidelines recommend insect nets with no less than 500 holes per square inch. This is sufficient for keeping out every kind of insect, including the tiniest of black flies and no-see-ums.

 

Insect net mesh size is indicated by the denier unit. Smaller denier mesh will keep out smaller bugs. For instance, 40D mesh has 324 holes per square inch, 15D mesh has 600 holes per square inch (and exceeds the World Health Organization's safety guidelines).

For more information, please visit mosquito screen fabric.

 

Your travel style and personal preferences as well as the location of travel will dictate the best insect net for you. Use this guide to help you make an educated decision and to ensure you enjoy safe travels and a sound night's sleep'void of bothersome and biting bugs.

How do Mosquito Nets Work?

Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They can spread illnesses and pose risks to our health and well-being, making mosquito control a top concern in most parts of the U.S. 

An outdoor mosquito net offers a potential solution to mosquito problems, but do mosquito nets really work as intended? Read on to learn what a net for mosquitoes is, what its benefits are, and where it may fall short.

What is mosquito netting?

Mosquito netting is a type of curtain that people hang to physically block mosquitoes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends hanging mosquito netting in bedrooms if you sleep with windows open without screens or with doors open without screens, as they reduce the risk of mosquito bites. 

The use of mosquito nets in open-air indoor spaces dates back to the ancient world. Today, people are increasingly turning to mosquito netting for porches, balconies, decks, and other outdoor living spaces.

What is mosquito netting made of?

Manufacturers produce mosquito netting out of a variety of synthetic materials. Polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene are some of the most common materials. 

In some cases, manufacturers add chemicals to repel mosquitoes from the netting. However, treated mosquito netting may only be effective for a short time due to the effects of weather and sun exposure.

Where do people put mosquito netting?

People may hang mosquito netting anywhere they spend time sitting, relaxing, dining, or entertaining outdoors. Some common areas for hanging mosquito nets include balconies, porches, patios, decks, under-deck areas, pool areas, and gazebos. Restaurants, hotels, and events venues with outdoor seating may also hang mosquito nets.

How do mosquito nets work?

Mosquito nets work by creating a physical barrier that stops mosquitoes from reaching people. If you have a deck or balcony mosquito net installed properly, the pests will have difficulty getting past the fabric, making you less likely to get bitten. 

What are the benefits of mosquito nets?

The largest benefit of using mosquito netting for decks, porches, and outdoor living spaces is that it can lower the likelihood of bites and contracting a disease. Mosquitoes are known carriers of various serious illnesses, including malaria, West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue, and Chikungunya virus.

Another benefit of mosquito netting is that the barrier allows ample airflow. You'll still be able to enjoy the breeze and fresh air while spending time in your outdoor living space. Mosquito nets are also relatively affordable solutions for mosquito control.

What are the disadvantages of mosquito nets? 

For all their benefits, a mosquito net does have some disadvantages, including:

  • Appearance:

    Some people find mosquito netting unattractive.

  • Blocking the view:

    Although you can see through the holes in mosquito netting, the material partially obstructs your view of your yard and the landscape beyond it.

  • Incomplete protection:

    Mosquitoes can bite through netting if you sit, stand, or sleep too close to it. Allowing enough room to prevent bites may be impossible in compact spaces. Unnoticed rips and tears in the fabric can let mosquitoes get past the netting.

  • Installation:

    For mosquito netting to work, it must be installed correctly. In some areas, hanging netting may be a challenge.

  • Lifespan:

    Depending on how exposed the area is, mosquito netting may wear out relatively quickly and require frequent replacement. 

  • Restricting access:

    In some cases, mosquito netting can make accessing outdoor seating and dining areas from the yard difficult or burdensome.

Keep in mind that mosquitoes can bite you anywhere on your property. While netting may provide some protection on your deck or patio, you're still exposed to them when doing things like mowing the grass, gardening, and performing other tasks. Combining mosquito nets with other pest control solutions is often the best approach.

Are black or white mosquito nets better? 

Manufacturers offer mosquito netting in white and black colors, and each type has certain benefits. White mosquito netting makes it easier to see mosquitoes that are on the material so you can avoid them. Black mosquito netting may be more resistant to UV exposure and less conspicuous when hanging in outdoor living spaces.

Pest control services 

If you're concerned about mosquitoes, call Hawx Pest Control. Our licensed pest control technicians can inspect your property and identify things that may attract them so that you can make the necessary changes for better mosquito control. In addition, our technicians can develop a plan for treating mosquitoes that incorporates high-quality products and state-of-the-art tools and technologies. They'll also recommend a maintenance schedule to help keep mosquitoes at bay in the future. Contact us today for a free estimate.

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