Insecticide treated mosquito nets

Mosquito nets for beds should be used if sleeping outdoors or in unscreened accommodation. The nets should be insecticide treated, free of tears and tucked under the mattress. Impregnated (insecticide treated) nets help improve protection by preventing biting through any net touching parts of the body. Long-lasting nets can be purchased which have a three-year life. Standard nets need to be re-impregnated with insecticide every six to 12 months depending on how frequently they are washed.

Clothing 

It is advisable to cover up with long sleeves, long trousers, loose fitting clothes and socks if outdoors after sunset. Clothing can also be sprayed with DEET.

Room protection

Air conditioning, screens on doors and windows and ceiling fans reduce the likelihood of mosquito bites. Through the night, an electrically heated device that vapourises a mat/tablet containing a pyrethroid can be used. Insecticide room sprays containing permethrin and other synthetic pyrethroids can also be used to kill resting mosquitoes in a room.

Alternative methods

There is no evidence that the following methods will repel mosquitoes and prevent bites:

• Herbal remedies
• Homeopathy
• Electronic buzzers
• Vitamin B1 and B12
• Garlic
• Marmite
• Tea tree oil
• Bath oils.