Mosquito nets work, but only if you use them right

Mosquito nets are one of the most effective tools against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, but proper use is everything.

The numbers are pretty solid. Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) cut malaria cases by roughly 50% in large trials. The World Health Organization credits them with saving millions of lives over the last two decades. But here’s the catch — a net only works if you sleep under it every night, if it’s in good condition, and if it’s treated with insecticide. A torn net with holes is barely better than no net.

Proper use is straightforward but not always obvious:

• Tuck the net completely under your mattress or sleeping mat. Mosquitoes will find any gap.
• Use it every night, even if it’s hot. That’s the hardest part.
• Repair small holes as soon as you see them. A needle and thread works fine.
• Wash it gently — harsh scrubbing removes the insecticide. Follow the instructions that came with it (usually 3-4 times a year max, with mild soap, then air dry away from direct sun).
• Re-treat with insecticide if it’s a conventional net, or check the label for how long the long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) is effective. Most LLINs last 3 years.

One thing people miss: nets only protect against mosquitoes that bite at night (like Anopheles — the malaria carriers). They do nothing against daytime biters like the ones that spread dengue or Zika. So they’re not a total solution, just the best single layer of defense we have for sleeping hours.

If you’re in an area with malaria, a properly used net is the cheapest life insurance you’ll ever get. Don’t skimp on