Mosquito Net Confusion

Noodle

I have only used the square net, which is like a box. It has strings/rope on each corner which you can then tie to window grills and hooks in the wall. But that means the room has four strings running through it!

I think some hotel rooms probably have hooks in the ceiling for the nets that hang from above (I have seen them), and others not.

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PeakXV

Check this WHO site to get the "hang" of the different net styles available ... some of which require only a single support line. - Nets

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Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

freenote

It's your decision on the mozzie net ,but i always Cary a small length of string /cord .it can be used to secure a net , or hang your washing from ,to tie up your bag if a catch breaks or hold up your pants if the elastic snaps ,thousands of uses .my usual mozzie defence is to plug in a "good night" gizmo ,which can be purchased all over india , use a net if available and you have some string and / or apply "odomos" which is an insect repellent cream based on "deet" and can be purchased at most medical stores in India . A personal opinion here but it is possible to be to well planned .My approach is " take as little as possible " and if you find you require an item purchase it locally .It will probably be cheaper and you will have more space in your bag for nice things to take home ,Hope this helps or are you more confused

matt_the_hat_82

in my experience most guesthouses/hotels will provide nets which hang from the ceiling so no need to buy them.

Plug-ins are good but maybe best sourced at home becuase of the noxious chemicals in some Indian plug-ins.

Mossie coil you burn do work but also smell and gave my friend a headache everytime one was lit.

Jungle Formula (spray/cream) worked a treat for us. Never got bit when we wore it but when we didn't we got eaten alive!

missgolightly

Thanks Freenote, I feel a bit better now. I actually agree that you can be "too prepared" for a trip, i think my first days in Delhi will be spent picking up stuff there that I realize I need.

I really would prefer to discover all of this on my own, but I am finding as I read all these message forums, I have more and more questions and confusion (as everyone has their own experience and perspective). sigh....guess I'll find out soon enough.

thanks again!!

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Nick-H

Don't most hotel beds have a huge fan above the bed?

Unless you can fix your net by four corners, avoiding the fan, it will be impossible.

Have to admit that I've always nearly stayed in AC rooms --- although that does not guarantee no mossies and never used a net except in my own home.

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Shaktipalooza

I always travel with the skeeter defeater found on Peak's link. Freestanding = hassle free.

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setuniket

I suggest stick to a mosquito repellant cream(ODOMOS(commonly used here) or any other brand which you get there and ya test it so that you are allergic to the cream..)....

i know i am suggesting against the nets....but while you are in delhi and rajasthan ..you will surely encounter mosquitoes..carrying a net with you will be a bit of a trouble(with all other luggage i guess)....
you will surely having a fan or A/C.. in the room you intend to stay
if u plan to stay in a closed room....i mean closed windows... dont use any repellant like coils mats or liquid....it gets suffocating...my personal experience...

BTW welcome to india...enjoy your stay....

regards
Setu Niket

CANADON

I also used the "skeeter defeater" last trip and was quite happy with it. It's fairly light and compact and wasn't a problem to carry around.There were a lot of mosquitos in my room in Bodh Gaya and it worked perfectly.Although it helps to be a person who doesn't thrash around in their sleep.

Nick-H

Odomos, cheap and easily available here, is, technically not strong enough to last all night (it's 12% DEET, I think). All night protection would require 50% or more.

simv

One more mos-net. Its quite cheap (prices in India). the cost is in the range of Rs 300-500. Again its the folding one with thin rods which are flexible and can be folded and easily carried away.

freenote

A mozzie net with a pyramid shape to aid meditaition ,now that has to be foreward thinking !

kristinm

Well that's the least informative product website I've ever seen! Can I buy these in Udaipur? Our first stop. They look a lot cheaper than the Canadian ones, I wonder if you can get double and single sizes - we'd need one of each.

federica

I would advise to bring the net, the variety of available nets is much bigger and I haven't found the same qualities in India (in the South it was difficult to find one at all, no idea about Northern India)

It's not always easy to fix the net, and for me it was simply not practical. Fixing it to window grills etc. is sometimes the only option. A thin rope is very essential! Unlike in other areas in Asia I felt mosquito nets in India are not so common. I haven't met one family who sleeps under a net...

The cubic four corner net would be the best option as a protection against mosquitoes, as the pyramid net has this problem that your feet or your hands might touch it in the night unconsciously, the mosquito lands on the net.... bzzzz...and that's it.... But you need for points to fix it...

I haven't found a good solution by myself....

pundabee

I can't believe how many people are advising you not to bring a mosquito net. To me it is the single most important travel item (next to a torch and a water purification system) when in India since many accommodations do not provide adequate protection against mosquitoes and other insects. The thought of sleeping smothered in insect repellent makes me twitch, and using mosquito coils and other devices that, supposedly, will deter mosquitoes is probably a greater hassle than having to install a mosquito net. Also, I would never rely on an electric deterrent since power cuts are common in India.

There are many producers of quality net. I use nets from LifeSystems, and have been very happy with these. With regard to creams, I have used the Ultrathon and it definitely works. Even though it is only 34% Deet, the company claims that it offers protection for 12 hours. However, due to the toxic nature of Deet, you should test any Deet product on your skin before leaving for India. Odomos, the Indian repellent which can be bought for as little as Rs. 60 for a 120ml bottle, contains, as Nick-H mentioned, 12% Deet, and it is not long lasting, but does the job. Use the lotion version (white plastic bottle); it is much easier to apply and its smell is not too bad.

Mosquito net installation can be complicated (especially if you are sharing a double bed with someone and have brought two single nets). If there is nowhere to attach the net close by, dental floss or string can be used to attach it from further away. Folding the net under the mattress should then keep it in position.