Should I take my mosquito net or not?

Putty

Hi guys, just finalising preparations for my trip. I’m travelling the worst time of year regarding heat (April - July) and I’m tossing up whether to take my mosquito net with me (again). First trip to India was April-June 2001 in which I took the net but didn’t use it - I had a choice - risk dying of malaria or risk dying of suffocation. It was just too hot to use. I stayed mainly in non a/c room (meaning room with a fan only) and was in a constant sweat or night, getting up and standing under the shower throughout the night. Any suggestions … I’m leaning towards leaving it at home. By the way, I'm travelling all over - north, west, south & east.

Thanks
Putty

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crvlvr

Or, you can always purchase a net in India if you feel the need for it.

Shaktipalooza

I'm assuming the 'weave' on the net was to tight to allow proper air circulation with the fan on?

Some nets are woven very tightly to be impervious to 'no-see-ums'. This will diminish the breathability of the fabric and is probably over kill for mosquito protection. I haven't experimented much with different weaves but it might be worth checking out.

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Darmabum

if you find you need one, buy it there.

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Putty

Thanks for the replies, you've helped me make up my mind - if I need one, buy it there. I bought it at the Travel Doctor here in Melbourne (www.tmvc.com.au) and (on thinking about it) there isn't a lot of 'breathability' in it.
Cheers,
Putty

Shaktipalooza

If you purchase one with a looser weave, it would probably be a good idea to treat it with permethrin. I always do the treatment with the rational that it will also help keep the bed bugs out.

Putty

Thanks Shaktipalooza. I've got some permethrin that I'll take with me.
Cheers.

Nick-H

An application of high-strength DEET should last pretty much the whole night --- if it works for you and you don't mind covering yourself with the stuff. And I mean covering: never forget that they bite through clothes. (I guess you could use permethrin on the clothes...).

As a side-point, if you sweat so much that you have to shower in the night, remember to drink water each time too; remember the risk of dehydration.

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thudson

I have just returned from 10 weeks in India doing the north, west and south. I took my mosquito net but did not use it, nearly everywhere had them available. We did burn a mossie coil before hitting the sack and this seemed to do the trick.

ranjan154

Mossie, the smoke is choking,, and morever mosquitoes here are now use to of coils.. definately net is the best with a fan running at full speed.

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rajnag

Hey,
Use the coil if there's a lot of it. If not you get a ointment called odomas that indians use.It's very cheap and good. The one I would use would be a neem repellent cream that you can get in any medical store. Just ask in the stores. There's also a brand of nature based products called "Himalaya" products. Try and use this as much as possible. It's safe and made from plant extracts.

Peace.