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A bed covered by a mosquito net.

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 effectivenesss, it is important that the netting not have holes or gaps large enough to allow insects to enter. Because insects can bite 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 mosquitos. 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, but are also treated with a chemical binder that allows the nets to be washed at least 20 times, allowing use for three or more years.

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 mosquitos prefer still air; however this is far less effective and discouraged in areas with insect-borne diseases.^{[citation needed]}

Another alternative is to apply an insect repellent to the skin; this also may be less effective (reducing rather than eliminating bites) 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.

Nothing But Nets

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• Technical information about woven wire and a mesh table
• A charity project devoted to preventing malaria in Sierra Leone by the use of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets