37. Mosquito nets

Overview

• Mosquito nets help significantly to prevent diseases, such as malaria, that are spread by mosquitoes.

What you need to know

• Mosquito nets are one of the most important ways to protect against malaria and other diseases spread by mosquitoes. 
• The most effective nets (ITNs) are treated with long-lasting insecticide (which kills mosquitoes). 
• These nets are effective for three to five years. 
• To be effective, nets must be used properly.

How to use long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs) properly 

1. Hang the net above the sleeping space. 
2. Make sure the net is tucked under the mattress or mat to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside. 
3. Keep the net closed while sleeping and during the day while you are away from the sleeping place. 
4. Washing the net can remove insecticide. When you wash the net, follow the washing instructions provided with the net. Do not wash the net too often. 
5. Repair any rips or tears in the net. 
6. Replace the nets at regular intervals, as advised (every three to five years).

What you can do

• Encourage every member of the community to sleep under a mosquito net every night. It is particularly important for children and pregnant women to do so. 
• Promote the use of long-lasting insecticidetreated mosquito nets (LLINs).
• Make sure that as many people as possible have bed nets in your community. 
• Find out where to obtain LLINs and help your local National Society branch to distribute them. 
• Show people how to hang their nets properly. Visit households to help hang nets and encourage their use. 
• Follow up to ensure that households use their bednets. 
• If people are not using their bed nets, find out why.
• Follow the directions on the other side of this sheet to make sure that bednets are used properly.