Mosquito Net for Bed and Window Screens: What Works
A good mosquito net works when it has no holes, fits closely and is tucked under the mattress. A torn or loose net gives false safety. For dengue, nets alone are not enough, because the dengue mosquito is active during the day. Use a bed net for sleep, fine mesh on windows and doors for the house, and cover your skin and use repellent outdoors.
Net and mesh at a glance
- Bed net (machardani): best for night sleep, especially for babies and daytime naps
- Window and door mesh: stops mosquitoes entering all day, for all rooms
- Fit matters more than price: gaps at the edge let mosquitoes in
- Inspect: hold it to a light, look for holes, mend them
- Dengue note: day biting means screens plus clothing and repellent
Prefer to listen? This post as a 2 min video · Watch the video
Which is better: a bed net, window mesh or door curtain?
| Option | Strong point | Weak point |
|---|---|---|
| Bed net | Protects one sleeper, cheap, portable | Useless when you are not under it |
| Window and door mesh | Protects the whole room all day | Gaps at frames, tears, door left open |
| Door curtain or strip | Easy for busy doorways | Not tight, mosquitoes follow people in |
| Cot net for baby | Safe covered sleeping space | Must not trap the baby or hang loose inside the cot |
Most homes do best with window mesh on rooms that stay open, plus a bed net for sleep when mosquitoes get in anyway.
What mesh size should I look for?
Mesh is about the hole size. If the holes are small enough, a mosquito cannot squeeze through. Packs and shops usually print a hole count or a hole size; choose the finer option, and avoid netting that looks see through like a loose curtain. Do not buy on thickness alone, since thick thread with large gaps is still a gap. Fine mesh also lowers airflow a little, so ask for a pack that suits your climate, and use a fan.
How do I hang a bed net so it actually works?
- Hang it from a firm point above the bed so it falls straight around the sleeper.
- Tuck the bottom edge under the mattress on all four sides. Do not just let it hang over the edge.
- Check you are not touching it with arm or leg while sleeping. A mosquito can bite through a net that lies on skin.
- Get in, then close. Kill any mosquito trapped inside before sleeping.
How do I check a net for holes in two minutes?
Insider tip: the torch test
In a dark room, hold the net up and shine a phone torch from one side while you look from the other. Light shows up every hole and thin patch. Mend small holes with a needle and thread or a patch, and replace a net with many holes. Then tuck it under the mattress, not just over the edge.
Do mosquito nets work for dengue?
Partly. WHO says the mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day, and it lists mosquito nets for people sleeping in the day, plus window screens, as protection. A net at night does little against bites at school, work or the market. Think of it as one layer. Cover arms and legs, use repellent following the pack, and read the repellent guide.
What about treated nets and washing?
Some nets come treated with insecticide. They are sold for areas with malaria, and the pack tells you how to wash, how often and how to dry. Follow the pack exactly, and do not treat nets at home with products not meant for them. Wash untreated nets gently in mild soap, rinse and dry in shade or sun, since rough scrubbing makes holes. For wider malaria habits see malaria prevention habits.
Are nets safe for babies?
A cot net is useful when it is fitted well, kept away from the baby’s face and fixed so it cannot fall into the cot. Check that nothing dangles into the cot. Babies also get heat rash and bites in monsoon, covered in babies in the rainy season. For bites that already happened, see bite home remedies. Everything sits in the Barsaat and Flood Season hub.
Limits and when to see a doctor
A net that has holes, is not tucked in or touches the skin gives only a feeling of safety. Never use a net in a way that could cover a baby’s face or let it tangle round the neck, and do not let children play with it. Fever with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, vomiting, belly pain or bleeding means a doctor the same day. Do not give painkillers for suspected dengue without asking a doctor. Emergency: 1122 in Pakistan, 112 in India.
Mosquito net questions
How do I put up a mosquito net (machardani kaise lagayen)?
Hang it from a firm point above the bed, let it fall evenly and tuck all edges under the mattress. Make sure you are not touching the fabric.
What mosquito net mesh size is best?
The finest mesh that still gives enough airflow. Check the printed hole size or count on the pack, and avoid loose, see through fabric.
What is the best mosquito net for a bed?
One that fits your bed size, has no holes and can be tucked in. A good fit beats a high price.
Is window mosquito mesh worth it?
Yes, since it protects the whole room all day. Check frame gaps and repair tears.
Do mosquito nets prevent dengue?
Only partly, because dengue mosquitoes bite in the day. Use nets for daytime naps and combine them with clothing, repellent and removing breeding water.
How do I wash a mosquito net?
Hand wash gently in mild soap, rinse and dry in shade or sun. For treated nets, follow the pack instructions.
Are insecticide treated nets safe for children?
They are made for household use when used as the pack says. Follow the label, keep them off children’s mouths and ask a health worker if unsure.
Can I use a mosquito net on a baby cot?
Yes, with a proper cot net that fits and stays clear of the baby’s face. Keep nothing loose inside the cot.
How often should I replace a net?
When it has many holes, worn patches or does not hold its shape. The torch test shows when.