Mosquito nets provide a safe haven from biting insects whilst you sleep and in Malaria risk areas they also provide a potentially lifesaving function. When travelling check your destination to see if one is needed and whether it has been provided by your accommodation. It’s also a good idea to check if your hostel or hotel room has any net hanging points which will make it much easier to put up your net.

Some mosquito nets are impregnated with an insecticide such as permethrin which offers an additional layer of protection against mosquitoes. This chemical will kill on contact which stops mosquitoes from finding their way to holes and any other gaps in the net. Some treatments also help to kill any mosquitoes which are also in the room. These nets are more expensive then untreated nets but it is worth the extra investment. You can also buy impregnation kits to treat a cheaper net or to re-treat your current net.

Mosquito nets also come in a variety of shapes including bell, wedge, box and ridge. Bell nets are the largest nets which sit in a bell shape over the whole of the bed. They provide good headroom and are easy to hang due to a single hanging point. Wedge nets are most commonly used by travellers as they pack down to a small size and only need two hanging points. Some also come with a skirt which can be tucked under a mattress or sleeping mat.  Box nets are square in shape and offer the largest amount of headroom and space underneath the net. However they can be difficult to hang as they need four hanging points on the ceiling. Ridge nets look similar to a traditional tent in that they are hung in a V shape. They are ideal for use outdoors and over hammocks as they can be easily hung between two trees.