Whether you’re backpacking in the mountains of South Dakota or the South American rain forests, a mosquito net is a mandatory camping supply.

These bugs are a nuisance at best and deadly disease carriers at worst. Fortunately, there are hundreds of products on the market to fit all kinds of situations.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can even get mosquito nets made of cotton or organic silk.

Below is a guide for picking the best mosquito nets for travel and camping.

How Mosquito Nets Work

Mesh size

Insect nets and window screens with a mesh size of 1.2 mm halt mosquitoes. Smaller holes, from 0.6 mm stop other biting bugs such as no-see-ums and biting midges.

Breatheability

Keep an eye out for how much holes per square inch the net you are considering has. Insect nets generally have 156 to up to 400 holes. 400 already protects you against midges.

Nets with a higher hole count have smaller holes meaning they allow less air to pass through. This reduces air circulation inside which may cause it to feel hot or clampy.

Treated nets

Insecticide treated nets (ITNs) are considered approximately twice as effective as untreated nets.

The World Health Organization recommends mosquito nets treated with permethrin, a chemical that is harmless to humans but fatal to mosquitoes and other insects.

Spraying permethrin onto a non-treated net can deter insects for a short period of time, but manufactured nets with the chemical embedded in their fibers are far longer lasting and may never need replacement.

The chemical is so potent that mosquitoes usually ignore holes in the nets because the odor of the permethrin is so repugnant. Insecticide treated nets kill mosquitoes that contact the nets.

Other insecticides include deltamethrin, and company brands such as Zi Technology.

 

Which is the best mosquito net for travel?

Picking the ideal net for your travel needs depends on how you travel. Backpacking ask for a net that is as light and compact as possible.

When you go camping and can take your net out of the trunk of your car to haul it with you to the camp site a 10 minute walk down the path you can opt for a slightly larger and heavier net.

Here’s a list of the different types of nets along with their advantages and disadvantages to help you select what’s right for your traveling needs.

Free-Standing Nets

Free-standing mosquito nets are basically small tents. They are held together by flexible metal or plastic frames that can “pop-up” and condense.

They come in different sizes and can be set up within a larger tent, on cots or on top of a mattress. These nets usually have a base sewn in (tarp floor), so once zipped they are impenetrable to critters.

If you travel without checked baggage these are probably not an option for you as they are unlikely to fit carry-on luggage. Therefore, for the minimalist backpacker, a smaller type of mosquito net is preferable.

Pros:

• Little set up required
• Versatile for indoor or outdoor use
• Spacious
• Protects against cockroaches and bed bugs too

Cons:

• Even when condensed, they can still be bulky and heavy to transport
• Supports are often susceptible to getting bent and are difficult to repair
• Frame /poles add to weight

A bestseller is the SansBug Free-Standing Pop-Up Mosquito-Net. At 2,5 pounds it’s lightweight and is set up and  taken down in no time. You just throw it in the air and it lands as a full-fledged bug shelter (keep your distance).

You may even be able to fit it in your backpack. This YouTube video instructs how to fold it to 19 inch diameter.

 

Wedge and Ridge Mosquito Nets

These simple nets hang from one or two suspension points and are sometimes supported by a rod. They are perfect for draping over a sleeping bag or bed.

They make great additions to hammocks too. Make sure to tuck netting under your sleeping bag for maximum protection.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to set up and take down
• Compact and easy to carry making them great for backpacking and other forms of light travel.

Cons:

• Less enclosed area than free-standing nets, which can result in poorer air circulation and stuffiness
• Feel warmer than other, more spacious nets

One of your best options when getting a ridge net is the Eagles Nest Outfitters Guardian Bug Net.

Especially great if you’re going to places where it gets cold at night as it adds a few degrees of warmth. Lightweight at 16 ounces, blocks no-see-ums and fits all ENO hammocks.

 

Box Mosquito Nets

Box nets are the sturdiest and most comfortable option and are ideal for longer term settlements. They are often used in places like hospitals or hotels and are easiest to set up over a bed frame with posts, but they can be used outside if supported by poles and rods.

Pros:

• More spacious than all other options
• Optimal air circulation resulting in cooler temperatures
• Often available in a two person version
• Robust (often feature more densely woven netting for extra protection)

Cons:

• Requires extensive work to set up and disassemble (4 points)
• May require additional special purpose frames to hold up
• Heavy

A popular model is the self-supporting Kamp-Rite Insect Protection System. At 6 pounds it’s in a whole other league than a featherlight wedge net but it’s still popular among backpackers.

Its waterproof rain fly robust fabric keep the tiniest bugs out but also protect you from larger foes such as soldier ants and nasty spiders.

 

Bell Mosquito Nets

Bell mosquito nets hang from a single suspension point like a chandelier. They have a spreader under the apex to maximize the area under the net, which gives it a bell shaped appearance.

Usually, the lower edges are reinforced with heavier fabric to weigh down the net and protect from wear and tear.

Pros:

• Only requires one suspension point
• Highly versatile for tents and bedrooms
• More visually appealing than other options
• Often available in a two person version

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy to transport
• Suspension point must be very strong to support the net

Hammock Mosquito Nets

While there are plenty of do-it-yourself guides online for making a hammock net, getting a hammock with a net built-in ensures that you’ll be safely sealed and protected from mosquitoes and other insects.

Pros:

• Very comfortable for sleeping and relaxing
• A wide variety of options to choose from

Cons:

• Requires a bit of set up
• More difficult to transport, when packed, sizes range from a folded sweat shirt to a bike helmet.
• Therefore useful for travel but not for backpacking and other situations that require carrying limited quantities of luggage.

Besides separate hammock nets you can also opt for a mosquito-proof hammock. A popular and well-reviewed choice is the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter hammock.

It provides enough space to be able to drink a tropical beer or read your Lonely Planet without feeling tucked in. A great solution for bug-free relaxing in your yard too.

How to hang your mosquito net

Generally hanging kits are already included. Also, rooms in hostels, hotels and other tourist accommodations in areas where mosquitoes are an issue are commonly equipped with suspension points to hang your net from.

 

Wrapping it up

Just because you love the outdoors doesn’t mean you have to be lunch for all of nature’s critters.

Whether you stay at home or plan on traveling to hot humid parts of the world, make sure to invest in a permethrin treated mosquito net.

Together with a good personal insect repellent it will make your next trip safer and more comfortable so you can keep traveling with peace of mind.

No more itchy bites, infected and swollen welts, and risking malaria, yellow fever and other life-threatening diseases.

A good net is like your own insect-free fortress, it allows you to enjoy the outdoors without having to search for cover inside at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes start bugging you.

Which type of mosquito net for traveling do you prefer?

Speak up below.

 

Image via Creative Commons: Pinterest.

Do you too hate bugs with a passion? When mosquito season starts many of us are ready declare war to the infuriating gits. With all the mayhem mosquitoes cause, the analogy of war isn’t that far fetched.

Others liken the battle against the bugs to sports. The bug-a-salt is a typical example of making a sport out of killing the pesky insects. Better have some fun while you’re at it right?

In a similar fashion many of us take up our ‘tennis racket-like’ handheld zappers.

You may have wondered, do handheld mosquito zappers (aka mosquito bats) work?

How do electric mosquito rackets work?

They may look like kids toy tennis rackets but then in a version that employs a voltage of between 500 and 1500 Volt.

In fact, for various situations they proof invaluable parts of effective mosquito control. Wielding such a battery powered gadget gives you an advantage over being without one (more in a bit).

The paddle that consists of metal mesh that conducts an electric current. On contact it delivers an electric shock (when you press the button(s) on the handle) electrocuting mosquitoes and other pests.

All you need to do is swing the racket, and hit the bug with it, and it will be dead. There are models available in a lot of designs spread over a large range of prices.

The main question,

Do they work?

You bet ‘cha.

It has been estimated that US citizens purchase over 17.5 million of these devices annually. Just think about it, they wouldn’t if these things were useless.

These ‘skeeter beaters’ are so popular because they are easy to operate due to their highly uncomplicated designs.

But there are more reasons why they are so popular.

 

Electric bug zapper benefits

All natural. One of the major benefits is that bugs can be killed without having to use any toxic chemicals. Synthetic repellents and other harsh substances are damaging to the skin and are also poisonous to breathe in (Aerosol sprays can trigger asthma attacks )

Shockingly easy to use. Using a zapper is less tedious as you don’t have to sit and wait for the bug to land on you giving it a chance to bite or suck blood.  Instead you can zap the racket around, killing the bugs in flight.

“I love my bug swatter because I can easily kill mosquitoes near my ear and gnats hovering in front of my nose.”

Versatile. Another, major benefit of these rackets is that they are not limited to mosquitoes only, but take care of any bug that comes in contact with it.

You can get rid of any bug that might be annoying you.

• What about those ultra-pesky no see ums, these swatters work wonders in killing them off.  Gnats aren’t safe anymore either.

• Fruit flies too better keep away from your summer beer or red wine because they will get zapped.

• Suffer from wasp phobia? These tools will give you a stick to beat those little devils with. The stinging bugs may take a second to zap. Just keep the button pressed andonce they make contact with the metal mesh the electric current will make them stick, zapping them seconds afterwards.

So, when you get a racket with substantial charge to give a good, strong shock, and treat it like a pest control device, instead of just an average swatter, it can be a highly efficient way to get rid of any flying insects that you may find irritating.

Safe for indoor and outdoor use. As long as used according to directions and common sense. (We all have that one family member..)

Fun factor. At night they’re like fireworks, frying tiny bugs like crazy.  Sparks jumping over to your flying foes, dazing them into their path to their maker. Electrified flies, dropped on the floor, a satisfying plume of smoke rising from their carcasses.

Portable. Because these bug zappers are inexpensive, light-weight (about 10 ounces) and portable, they’re perfectly suitable for outdoor trips such as camping, hiking, fishing, sports events and road trips.

Batteries last a long time. They practically all run on 2 AA batteries or 2 C batteries  that will last for months and months on end. If not longer.

Cheap as chips. A few bucks will get you a swatter. A few more for a more robust and powerful model.

 

Downsides of mosquito zappers

Not flexible. Over-enthusiastic use may result in broken zappers. These swatters are mostly made up of hard and brittle plastic, instead of flexible plastics, and therefore whacking against hard surfaces can break or crack them. (Don’t be ashamed, we all have the urge to smack those skeeters real hard from time to time)

Really small insects can’t be hit when on a wall. Of course there’s a solution to this minor holdback. Instead of hitting the bug resting on hard surfaces, just try to scare it into the air first, or let it fly towards the racket.

You may occasionally shock yourself. Even though these zappers are considered safe, some precautions need to be taken.

Some zappers have dead screens on one side of the zapper, while others don’t; however you can experience heavy electric shocks if your skin comes in direct contact with the charged surfaces, which isn’t too hard if you’re aimlessly swatting the racket around.

Especially if you’re having co-ordination problems, are overly curious, or have had one beer too much).

 

FAQ: Good to know about mosquito zappers

Most zappers come with switches and buttons, so that when turned off, they do not give out electric shocks, but due to the installation of capacitors in some zappers, the charge is held longer, which at times might result in electric shocks.

Q: Are portable bug zappers dangerous?

A: Most electric handheld bug zappers conform to electrical safety standards for humans. The charge they emit is very limited. For the same reason, the initial shock these swatters is give off is usually inadequate to kill flies.

• These bug zappers need to be kept away from children and pets;  those little fingers and wet noses are not as immune to electric shocks as adult humans are, and even when these shocks might not actually kill people, they can be highly painful.

• The electrical sparks generated by these bug zappers can also, sometimes ignite flammable fumes and start fires. Therefore, it must be made certain that nothing flammable is used around them, such as lighter fluids, hair spray, gas for the lawnmower, or any other place where an open flame might be undesirable.

All in all, these hand-held, sporty bug zapping gadgets do serve the purpose of getting rid of most annoying bugs flying around you.

Whether you are lounging in your hammock in the yard, sitting on your freshly mowed lawn or when inside the house.

Just like skewers and turners, mosquito rackets are essential barbecue tools.

Lets face it, having an effective swatter at hand at barbecues is a whole lot more pleasant than spraying harsh fogs of insecticide near your family and the food.

Don’t pop bugs over food though, they will drop right down in your coleslaw.

 

Reviews: which zapper to get?

The Executioner

• Sturdy material, not likely to break.
• High quality electronics
• Powerful. Even hornets and wasps pop immediately on contact.
• Runs on two long-lasting AA batteries.
• The Pro version is more powerful than many other zappers because it uses two C batteries
• The larger ‘Pro’ version is relatively long and large surface for a better reach and easier contact

“Emits a satisfying electric blue flash when it effortlessly electrifies mosquitos and other bugs.”

Get the Executioner  on Amazon. $19,99

Update: The more powerful Executioner PRO has been discontinued on Amazon. It’s still available on other sites but at very steep (read: outrageous) prices ($40 to $80).

 

Zap Master RMBZ300P

• Powerful with 2750 volts of electricity it has a 100% kill rate.
• Its fine mesh makes it ideal if you suffer from fruit fly infestations.
• features a red LED that lights up when you push the button (if it doesn’t you know it’s time to replace batteries)
• The mesh grid stays charged for about a minute after releasing the button

“We had a sudden fruit flies outbreak and our other zappers did not have a fine enough mesh so some fruit flies escaped through the wires. The Zap Master doesn´t let them get away.”

Get the Zap Master on Amazon.  $20.99

 

Wrapping it up

Bugging insects are annoying as hell. Mosquitoes and the diseases they bring are causing serious public health concerns so controlling the pests is crucial.

One note though.

Please don’t kill honey bees or bumble bees.

We really need them. That aside, they don’t do harm and even if you’re allergic, generally, the smartest thing to do is not react, accept they are close and they will go off. It’s like they can feel aggression or acceptance and act accordingly.

Even though they’re not toys, using a mosquito swatter can be a thrill (no need to be holier than the pope). For effortless bug zapping, check out these popular bug zappers.

Want to have a true blast? Set your sights on slaughter with the Bug-A-Salt 2.0 bug salt shooter definitely the most fun way to kill ’em dead.

Whether you use your backhand swing, employ your forehand and knock their lights out,  mosquitoes and other bugs are killed fast without the use of chemicals.