Mosquito-borne diseases kill hundreds of thousands of people each year, yet the solutions we use to avoid bites are often guided by proft motives. The global mosquito repellent market was valued at over $7 billion in 2024
– a lucrative industry built on sprays, coils, and gadgets. But there’s a low-tech hero in this fght that doesn’t get the same marketing hype: the humble mosquito net. Health experts have long touted mosquito nets as lifesavers (approximately 663 million malaria cases were averted from 2000–2015 thanks to bed nets, but you won’t see repellent companies advertising that fact.
Are consumers being misled about the best ways to protect themselves?
This article explores critical questions – from net materials and outdoor use to combining nets with other methods – to shine light on what big repellent brands might not want you to know.
What Materials Make Mosquito Nets Most Effective?
Not all mosquito nets are created equal. The fabric and mesh size of a net largely determine how well it keeps bugs out while letting air in. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), most modern nets are made of synthetic fibres like polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene .
These materials are lightweight, durable, and resist rot – ideal for repeated use in tropical climates. (Cotton was used in older nets, but it’s heavier, absorbs moisture, and breaks down faster, so today’s nets have largely gone synthetic.) Equally important is the mesh tightness. A mesh of about 1.2 millimeters will stop mosquitoes, even the smaller species, from passing through . That works out to roughly 285 holes per square inch, a density found to block tiny pests yet still allow plenty of airflow for comfort .
The netting threads are usually stiffened (sometimes with a fabric treatment) so that the net hangs away from your skin – because if your body is pressed directly against the mesh, a persistent mosquito can still bite through. In short, the best nets use high-quality, fine mesh that keeps even diminutive insects out while remaining breathable and tough enough for daily use.
Are There Mosquito Nets Designed for Outdoor Adventures?
Absolutely. Mosquito nets aren’t just for beds in malaria-endemic villages – they’re also a critical piece of gear for campers, hikers, and world travelers. In fact, experienced outdoors enthusiasts will tell you a good net “can make or break your trip” if you’re in bug-infested wilderness . Outdoor mosquito nets come in many forms: ultralight head nets that slip over a hat to protect your face and neck, hammock nets that envelop your swinging sleep spot, and freestanding tent-like net canopies you can pop up over a sleeping bag or cot. These nets are engineered to be lightweight and portable, folding into tiny stuff-sacks so they’re easy to carry on backcountry treks .
Some are just simple mesh enclosures, while others include integrated frames or hoops to suspend the net above you. Many camping nets also have convenient features like zippered openings or are shaped to cover a standard camping cot. They often come pre-treated with insect repellent (like permethrin – more on that later) or you can treat them yourself for extra protection. The bottom line: if you’ll be sleeping or sitting outside in mosquito territory, there’s a mosquito net made for that scenario. These little barriers can be lifesavers in locales where mosquitoes swarm – providing a crucial shield against bites whether you’re on a jungle expedition or a weekend camping trip .
Do Mosquito Nets Work Against All Species of Mosquitoes?
Mosquito nets don’t care what species of mosquito is buzzing around – a properly designed net is a physical barrier against any mosquito that tries to get through. As long as the mesh is fine enough and there are no gaps, Anopheles mosquitoes (night-biting vectors of malaria), Aedes mosquitoes (day-biting carriers of dengue, Zika, yellow fever), Culex mosquitoes (which can spread West Nile virus), and others will all be stopped in their tracks.
In practice, a typical net’s 1.2 mm mesh stops essentially all mosquitoes from entering , and if you need to block out even smaller pests like biting midges (“no-see-ums”), you can use an extra-fine net (around 0.6 mm mesh) . The effectiveness isn’t about the mosquito species; it’s about the mosquito’s size and behavior. Any mosquito too large to ft through the
holes (which is virtually all of them) will be kept out. That said, understanding mosquito behavior is key.
Nets are most famous for protecting sleepers at night – that’s why they’ve been so effective against malaria, transmitted by mostly nocturnal Anopheles mosquitoes.
But what about mosquitoes that bite in the daytime?
A bed net won’t help if you’re not under it when mosquitoes are active. For example, Aedes aegypti (the primary dengue and Zika mosquito) feeds during the day, often indoors. If you nap during the day or sit under a net canopy, it will protect you then – but if you’re walking around, you’d need other measures (like repellent on your skin) because the net only works when you’re inside it.
Another consideration is that mosquitoes can sometimes bite through an untreated net if your skin is directly against it . Keeping the netting off your body (using nets with spreader bars or a tuck-in technique) prevents that. In summary, a good mosquito net is effective against all mosquito species in a physical sense; the only limitation is that you have to be inside the net for it to protect you, so timing and proper use matter as much as the type of mosquito.
Can Mosquito Nets Be Combined with Insect Repellent Sprays for Better Protection?
Yes – and in many cases, you should combine them. Using a mosquito net doesn’t mean you have to abandon other defenses like repellents; in fact, the two can complement each other for layered protection. One approach is to use topical repellents (like DEET or picaridin) on your exposed skin while you’re under a net, especially if you anticipate any gaps or times when you’ll be stepping out from under the net.
For instance, if you’re camping, you might be sitting by the fre before bed with repellent on, then crawl under the net to sleep – the repellent on your skin ensures that even if a stray mosquito got inside when you entered, it won’t get a chance to bite you. Another approach is treating the net itself with an insecticide. Many bed nets today are sold as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) or long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) – these are nets impregnated with a pyrethroid chemical (commonly permethrin) that repels or kills mosquitoes on contact.
If a mosquito even lands on the net, it gets a dose of insecticide. Studies show that treated nets are “much more protective” than untreated ones , because they actively deter mosquitoes and kill those that try to linger. In military testing, combining permethrin-treated clothing or nets with a DEET repellent on skin led to over 97% protection from bites in harsh mosquito conditions . The CDC notes that these insecticides on nets pose very low risk to humans, since the amount we might absorb is minimal, but are highly toxic to insects .
If you only have an untreated net, you can even spray it with a repellent as a DIY measure – for example, permethrin spray (often sold for treating clothing) can be applied to bed nets; once it dries, the net will kill mosquitoes that touch it and the treatment can last for weeks or months on the fibres . Always follow product instructions, of course.
Using a topical repellent on yourself in addition to the net is also wise in high-risk areas. The Indiana University travel clinic bluntly advises: use repellent on exposed skin (DEET or picaridin) and use permethrin on your bed net and clothing for maximum protection . The combination guards you during the moments when you’re not under the net (stepping out to use the bathroom at night, for example) and creates a double barrier when you are under it. Mosquito repellent companies might prefer you rely solely on their lotions and coils, but the truth is a net plus repellent gives superior protection than either alone – a fact well known in public health circles.
What’s the Best Way to Hang a Mosquito Net Without Damaging Walls?
One common hesitation people have with bed nets is the installation – how do you hang this canopy over your bed, especially if you’re renting a place or don’t want to drill holes in the ceiling? The good news is there are damage-free ways to put up a mosquito net. You can get a little creative and use removable hardware that supports the net’s weight but comes off cleanly later. For instance, many folks use adhesive hooks (the kind with strong double-sided tape, like 3M Command™ hooks) on the ceiling or wall to suspend the net’s top.
These products are designed to hold a few kilograms and peel off without leaving drill holes or residue . Just stick a few at strategic points (above the corners of the bed for a rectangle net, or one centrally for a round canopy net) and tie the net up. Another clever trick from the DIY community is to use adhesive-backed velcro strips : attach one side of the velcro to the ceiling and the matching side to the top of the net, so you can press the net into place (and later rip it off when you’re done). If the adhesive on the net side isn’t strong, you can even sew or safety-pin the velcro onto the netting for a farmer’s hold .
A father in Indonesia demonstrates how he hung a bed net over his sleeping area. By securing the net at points above the bed, it fully drapes down to create a protective enclosure (in this case, tucked neatly around a foam mattress on the floor). Using creative solutions like adhesive hooks or velcro can support a net without any need for nails or permanent fixtures.
In some settings, people hang nets from existing structures – for example, hooking onto a curtain rod, a ceiling fan mount (with the fan off, of course!), or tying to an exposed beam. If none of those are available, a freestanding frame is an option: there are inexpensive pop-up mosquito net tents and four-poster style frames that hold the net without any ceiling attachment. The key is to ensure the net is suspended securely and fully covers your sleeping area, without gaps. If you’re using adhesive hooks, follow the instructions (clean the surface, press firmly, etc.) and use enough hooks to distribute the net’s weight. Most nets are pretty light, so this is easy. When removing, gently take the hooks off as instructed to avoid peeling paint. With these tricks, you can enjoy a peaceful night without bites and without spackling your ceiling later.
Can Mosquito Nets Be Installed on Windows or Doors Instead of Just Beds?
Yes – in fact, “mosquito-proofing” a home by screening windows and doors is one of the oldest and most effective tactics against those bloodsuckers. If you keep mosquitoes out of the house to begin with, you might not even need a bed net at night. Window screens and screen doors are essentially mosquito nets fixed in place. They’re typically a mesh stretched over a frame that covers the opening, allowing air to pass but blocking insects.
Many parts of the world have homes equipped with screens, but if yours doesn’t, you can absolutely install mesh on windows or use a hanging net for a doorway. The concept is simple: create a barrier at the entry points. The important thing is that the screen fts snugly with no gaps where mosquitoes can squeeze in – even a small gap around a frame can become a mosquito highway, given how determined these bugs can be.
A window fitted with insect screen mesh keeps mosquitoes out of the home. By covering windows with fine netting (in this case, a rigid frame with mesh installed in a tilt-out skylight), households can stop mosquitoes from entering rooms, reducing the need for bed nets inside. In many developing countries, health programs encourage residents to use window mesh and eave strips (netting under the roof eaves) in addition to bed nets, creating multiple layers of defense. For doors, there are innovative mesh curtains that act like temporary screen doors – they attach around a door frame and often have magnetics or weights so that you can walk through and they’ll automatically snap shut behind you. This allows people to go in and out without letting bugs in. For example, a magnetic foldable screen door curtain is a popular solution; it’s essentially a mosquito net for your doorway that closes itself with magnets each time you pass through.
You can find products like mesh magnetic door nets that are easy to install (Velcro or adhesive strips hold them up) and removable. One such product is a mesh screen net home magnetic foldable anti-mosquito door curtain, which attaches to a door frame and lets you walk through while automatically sealing behind you. This turns your home’s entrance into a bug barrier without requiring a permanent screen door. By installing nets on windows and doors, you effectively turn your whole room or house into a safe zone. Even if a few mosquitoes still sneak in, their numbers will be far lower – meaning your risk of bites is drastically reduced before you even climb under your bed net at night.
Do Fans or Air Conditioning Reduce the Effectiveness of Mosquito Nets?
If anything, fans and air conditioning tend to help in the battle against mosquitoes – they certainly don’t hurt the effectiveness of your mosquito net. Mosquitoes are weak fiers, so a fan’s breeze can literally create a no-fly zone around you. Entomologists at Michigan State University found that a simple electric fan can dramatically reduce mosquito activity in an area, to the point they recommend fans for backyard protection .
The wind makes it hard for mosquitoes to fly and also disperses the human scents and carbon dioxide that would normally draw them in . So if you have a fan blowing while you’re sleeping under a net, it may keep mosquitoes from even approaching the net in the first place. This means fewer of them will be landing on the net or trying to find a gap.
The net is still there as a physical barrier, of course, and isn’t affected negatively by the fan – just ensure the fan’s airflow isn’t causing the net to billow open such that a mosquito could be blown inside. (If the net is tucked under your mattress or secured well, this shouldn’t happen.) Air conditioning (AC) has a similar mosquito-discouraging effect. A cool, dry room is not inviting to mosquitoes, which prefer warm and humid environments.
Blasting the AC can make any mosquitoes in the room lethargic or less likely to bite, and typically people keep windows closed when AC is on, so new mosquitoes aren’t entering. Like fans, AC also stirs air currents that confuse mosquitoes’ fight and disperses the carbon dioxide we exhale . Some studies have noted that using a ceiling fan or AC can reduce the number of mosquitoes approaching you at night due to these factors.
None of this reduces the net’s effectiveness – the net still does its job if any mosquito tries to get through. In fact, your net might get “less action” because the fan or AC has already deterred many mosquitoes. One minor consideration: if you have a very strong fan blowing directly on a hanging net, make sure it’s not pushing the netting onto you or creating an opening. But a gentle draft is usually fine and actually helps by making it even harder for a mosquito to land stably on the net. Many people, including malaria researchers, often use fans plus a net for maximal comfort and protection. So, feel free to enjoy that cool breeze – it’s not undermining your net, it’s amplifying your defense. (And as a bonus, you’ll sleep more comfortably in the heat.)
What’s the Difference Between Permethrin-Treated Nets and Untreated Ones?
The difference is night and day – or rather, life and death, in many cases. Permethrin-treated nets (and nets treated with similar insecticides) have been a game-changer in public health. An untreated mosquito net is a passive barrier – mosquitoes have to physically figure out how to get through or around it (and if used properly, they usually can’t).
A permethrin-treated net, on the other hand, is an active defense system: it’s both a shield and a weapon. When a mosquito lands on or even gets too near the mesh, the insecticide either repels it (i’ll fly away) or kills it outright upon contact. This means even if there’s a tiny hole in the net, mosquitoes are much less likely to find it because they’re impaired or dead. Also, a treated net helps protect others in the room – mosquitoes that touch the net and then fly off can still die shortly after, so they won’t bite someone else. How much more effective are treated nets? Studies estimate that insecticide-treated nets are about twice as effective as untreated nets and offer over 70% protection compared to no net at all .
In real-world terms, widespread use of treated nets in communities has drastically cut malaria rates. The World Health Organization and CDC have made them a pillar of malaria prevention, precisely because they not only protect individuals but also knock down local mosquito populations. Untreated nets still work well as physical barriers (especially if in perfect condition), but they lack that chemical force-multiplier. There’s also the issue of mosquitoes biting through the net: with an untreated net, if you’re pressed against it, a mosquito might succeed in biting. With a permethrin net, the mosquito likely dies trying. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are the modern standard – these nets come pre-treated from the factory with insecticide bonded into the fibres. They’re formulated to remain effective for several years (often 3+ years of use, surviving numerous washes) before the chemical wears out. In contrast, older “ITNs” had to be re-dipped in insecticide every 6–12 months .
Today’s LLINs have permethrin or similar chemicals embedded, sometimes in combination with synergists (like piperonyl butoxide) to combat mosquito resistance . Untreated nets don’t have a lifespan issue except physical wear and tear, but they also don’t actively kill bugs. Cost-wise, treated nets are only marginally more expensive and often subsidized or provided free in endemic areas because of their huge health impact.
From a user perspective, a permethrin-treated net doesn’t look or feel much different from an untreated one – maybe a slight smell when new, which quickly fades. The insecticide is safe for humans in the doses used (it’s formulated to not easily transfer to skin), and users rarely experience any issues; at most, a minor skin irritation in rare cases . The payoff in protection is massive. Mosquito repellent companies might prefer to sell you sprays every week, but one permethrin net can protect you for years with no reapplication needed. If you have an untreated net, you can upgrade it by treating it yourself (kits are available to soak nets in permethrin). But if you’re buying new, it’s wise to opt for a certified LLIN. In summary: permethrin-treated nets actively guard and kill mosquitoes, making them far more effective than untreated nets, which rely solely on the physical barrier. It’s one of those instances where a bit of chemistry turns a good defense into a great one.
How Do Nets Compare to Repellent Coils or Plug-In Devices?
This is a classic showdown: physical barrier vs. chemical repellents in the air. Mosquito coils, vaporizer mats, plug-in liquid repellents – these are all products that create an area-wide deterrent (or insecticide cloud) to reduce mosquito bites. They’re popular, heavily marketed, and yes, they can help.
But how do they stack up against simply sleeping under a net?
The truth is, coils and plug-ins have limitations that nets don’t. For one, nets physically block and eliminate the chance of bites with near 100% reliability when used properly – a mosquito cannot bite you through an intact net, period.
Coils and plug-ins work by emitting chemicals that are supposed to either kill or repel the mosquitoes in the room. They might reduce mosquito numbers, but they rarely eliminate them completely. If a mosquito is determined (or if the chemicals are less effective on a particular mosquito population), you could still get bitten while a coil burns nearby. In fact, studies have struggled to find strong evidence that routine use of mosquito coils significantly reduces disease incidence like malaria or dengue in the real world – partly because people might still get bitten occasionally.
In contrast, mass distribution of nets has clearly and dramatically cut down disease rates . Then there’s the health aspect. Mosquito coils and plug-in repellents work by volatilizing insecticides (often pyrethroids) into the air. You end up breathing in those chemicals. Generally, the insecticides (like allethrin in coils, or transfluthrin in plug-ins) are considered low toxicity to humans in small amounts. But coils also produce smoke and fine particulate matter from the burning base. Alarming research found that burning one mosquito coil can release as much particulate pollution as 75 to 137 cigarettes worth of smoke.
Imagine inhaling that night after night – it’s not great for your lungs. Some coils have a distinctive smell that people fnd irritating, and sensitive individuals may get headaches or allergies from the smoke. Electric plug-in devices (which heat a mat or liquid) are cleaner in terms of smoke, but you still add chemicals to your room’s air. Nets, by contrast, have no such side effects.
An untreated net is chemical-free. A permethrin treated net does have insecticide on it, but it’s largely bound in the fabric – you’re not breathing it (and studies show it’s not meaningfully vaporizing into the air you breathe So nets don’t pollute your breathing space the way coils can. A typical mosquito coil smolders, releasing an insecticidal smoke. These coils can help reduce mosquito bites but also produce smoke and particulates; one study equated the particulate output of a single coil to that of dozens of cigarettes.
Another factor is convenience and cost. Coils and plug-ins require a continuous supply of refills – you have to buy new coils or mats or liquid bottles regularly, feeding that billion-dollar repellent industry. A mosquito net is a one-time purchase that can last for years. There’s a reason repellent companies aggressively sell coils and gadgets: consumers have to keep buying them. A net, especially a free or donated one, doesn’t line corporate pockets after the initial sale. From a practicality standpoint, coils might be useful outdoors or on a patio where a net isn’t feasible, and plug-ins can reduce bytes in a living room while you’re awake. But when it’s bedtime, nothing beats the assurance of tucking yourself in under a net. You wake up without new bites (and without a throat full of coil smoke). In summary, mosquito nets provide more complete and healthier protection for sleeping, whereas coils and plug-ins are partial measures with potential respiratory downsides. The ideal strategy in high-risk areas might be using a plug-in vaporizer in the early evening and then sleeping under a net through the night. That way, you knock down any mosquitoes in the room and have the fail-safe barrier when you’re most vulnerable. Just remember: the coil might protect you a bit, but it won’t physically stop a hungry mosquito the way a net will.
Are There Plants That Enhance a Mosquito Net’s Effectiveness When Placed Nearby?
Wouldn’t it be lovely if simply placing a potted citronella plant by your bed could make mosquitoes vanish? Repellent product ads and folklore often tout plants like citronella, lemongrass, lavender, marigolds, or rosemary as natural mosquito deterrents. These plants do contain oils that bugs fnd unappealing – citronella oil, for example, is a known mosquito repellent (used in candles and sprays). However, here’s the catch: the plant in a pot doesn’t typically release enough of that oil into the air to have a significant effect. Having the plant itself nearby won’t do much to keep mosquitoes away, according to entomologists and studies .
The leaves need to be crushed or burned to release the repellent oils in any meaningful quantity. A living plant just sitting there emits a very mild fragrance that dissipates quickly. In a controlled lab setting, some plants show a tiny repellent effect in their immediate vicinity, but in a real room or outdoors, it’s virtually nil.
What about putting these plants outside near windows or around a patio?
Again, you’d likely not notice a difference in bite counts unless you practically sit in a hedge of them, and even then the protection radius is small. Experts from mosquito control agencies say it’s a myth that simply growing certain plants will create a mosquito-free zone.
For instance, a lush citronella (lemongrass) plant on your porch might smell nice if you rub its leaves, but it’s not pumping out enough natural “bug spray” to shield you. One report noted that even citronella candles only help in the very immediate area (and only if there’s no breeze) – and those are concentrated oils being burned! A live plant is far weaker. In fact, there’s a small irony: potted plants, if overwatered, can become breeding sites for mosquitoes (standing water in the saucer is a perfect mosquito nursery) . So unless you’re careful, your mosquito-repelling plant could actually attract more mosquitoes by giving them a place to lay eggs. None of this is to completely dismiss the use of plants. They can be part of a holistic approach – e.g. having mosquito-repelling plants in your garden might slightly reduce mosquitoes in that area, and they have other benefits (beauty, scent, pollinator-friendly). But you shouldn’t rely on a potted plant as a primary defense, and they don’t “boost” a mosquito net’s effectiveness in any tangible way.
If you enjoy having a lavender pot by your bedside, great – it may calm you and smell pleasant, but it’s not supercharging an invisible force field against bugs. Some people do place bundles of dried lavender or mint under their pillow as a traditional repellent; again, the scent might help a tiny bit right by your face, but mosquitoes will still find any exposed skin if no other barriers exist.
If you want natural repellents to pair with your net, you’re better off using essential oil diffusers or incense that actively vaporize the plant oils (like citronella coils or lemongrass oil diffusers), though those, as mentioned, have to be used with caution regarding indoor air quality.
A fan blowing across a bed of herbs might waft more aroma toward you, but that’s getting rather contrived. In essence: Plants alone won’t keep you bite-free. They’re not a magic enhancement for your net. Mosquito repellent companies might hype “natural” solutions (to sell citronella products), but even they know a lone geranium on the windowsill isn’t going to stop determined mosquitoes. Stick to proven measures – nets, screens, repellents – and consider plants as a gentle supplemental tactic or simply as décor. By all means, surround yourself with greenery if you like; just don’t count on your fern to do the work of a good net or repellent.
Conclusion: The Uncomfortable Truth
Mosquito repellent manufacturers make their money selling us sprays, creams, coils, and gadgets that we have to buy over and over. Mosquito nets, in contrast, are a one-time purchase (or often freely distributed by health programs) that can protect you for years. It’s no wonder the corporate marketing machine doesn’t put nets in the spotlight – there’s not much profit in a solution that is cheap, low-tech, and highly effective.
This doesn’t mean coils, sprays, and high-tech devices have no place; they can be useful tools in certain situations. But the billion-dollar lie is that you might think these products are the only or the best way to prevent mosquito bites. The reality, backed by science and decades of public health success, is that mosquito nets – especially insecticide-treated Mosquito nets – remain one of the most effective defenses against mosquitoes and the diseases they carry . They physically block the bites, require no continuous expenditure, and have saved countless lives.