What mosquito nets can be used while camping?
When camping in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic, what options are there in terms of mosquito nets? The mosquito nets I've seen are meant to be hung above a bed and tucked under the mattress, but would any make sense to use in a tent? If not, what are some options for mosquito (or other insect) protection while sleeping?
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There are several types and configurations of mosquito nets that you can use:
- ones that hang (from a single center point, or from four corners),
- ones that drape over your bag with one or two poles that go over your head to keep it off your face,
- full free-standing
Depending on your situation, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Choosing a net:
- Areas with rampant mosquito-born diseases are likely hot as well, meaning you won't want a sleeping bag, so the "draping" type nets won't do much good
- A net that is too short will leave your feet or forehead pressed against the wall, inviting bites.
- Tucking the mosquito net under your bag, sleeping mat, mattress, etc is essential not just for mosquitoes, but for other creepy-crawlies.
- Free-standing bug nets shaped like a small 1 or 2 person tent you can pitch (inside a larger tent, or inside a hut for example) provide the most convenient and versatile option and tend to be easier to seal off.
- Remember that mosquitoes are not the only pests. The biggest annoyances are often the "no-see-ums," which although don't carry illness, can make for a miserable nights. Choose a net with the smallest gap between the weave as possible.
Chemicals:
Permethrine: After 2 years of living in the tropical rain forest, and suffering the tenacity of mosquitoes and no-see-ums which manage to find their way through any tiny imperfection in the net, I just started treating my nets with Permethrine
This stuff is highly toxic to fish, and insects, so care should be used when applying it - however I have found it to be highly effective in keeping mosquitoes and no-see-ums away from the net so they don't ever find those imperfections.
DEET: Although highly effective as a repellent, prolonged exposure, to high quantities especially in hot sweaty environments, has been linked in some toxicological reports to some ailments. Regardless, I don't much care for doping up before I sleep - so tend to avoid it, though spraying clothes can be a good added measure of protection.
Mosquito Coils: I am not sure the chemical agent involved, or the safety of prolongued inhalation of the smoke, but mosquito coils burnt around the sleeping area reduces the number of insects visiting.
Citronella: Some people swear by citronella and lemongrass, either as an oil applied to the skin for short-term reduction, or a candle that provides a smoke repellent.
Eucalyptus Oil: Provides a short term repellent, and can provide some relief for itching from those bites that already snuck through.
As a final precaution, setting a (controlled) smoky fire burning in the corner of your hut, or tarp will help reduce the number of mosquitoes hanging around throughout the night.
This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/569. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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Typically a tent itself will not let mosquitos in, but if you are in a tent that will, like a canvas army tent, hanging nets does a decent job. In some situations a bivy may do better. Some are primarily made of netting and designed specifically for bugs, and some are even shaped to fit standard military cots.
I have had some luck with fabric treatments. Permethrin sprays are available for clothing and some may work on tents or netting. Follow the instructions on the bottle regarding fabric compatibility.
This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/540. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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