A mosquito net is one of the best ways to stop malaria. But not all nets are the same. This guide explains the difference between a treated net and a normal net, and how to get the most from your net.
What is an LLIN?
LLIN means long-lasting insecticidal net. It is a mosquito net with insecticide (mosquito poison) built into the threads at the factory.
- The insecticide stays in the net for about 3 years, or about 20 washes.
- You do not need to dip it in chemicals at home.
- Most nets given out by health programs today are LLINs.
A normal net (untreated net) has no insecticide. It is only a barrier.
A normal net is better than no net
If you only have a normal net, use it every night. A normal net stops many mosquito bites. It is much better than sleeping with no net.
But a normal net only works when:
- it has no holes
- it is tucked in all the way round
- your skin does not touch the net (mosquitoes can bite through the net where your arm or foot presses against it)
Why a treated net (LLIN) is better
A treated net does everything a normal net does, and more.
| Normal net | Treated net (LLIN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Stops mosquitoes reaching you | Yes | Yes |
| Kills mosquitoes that land on it | No | Yes |
| Keeps mosquitoes away | No | Yes, the insecticide drives many away |
| Still protects if it has a small hole | Not well | Better, mosquitoes often die before they find the hole |
| Protects you if your skin touches the net | No | Better, mosquitoes that land are killed |
| Protects your neighbours | No | Yes, fewer mosquitoes live in the area |
1. It kills mosquitoes.
When a mosquito lands on a treated net, it touches the insecticide. Most die soon after. A normal net only stops the mosquito. It flies away and bites someone else.
2. It works even when the net is not perfect.
Nets get small holes. People forget to tuck them in. With a treated net, many mosquitoes die before they find the gap.
3. It protects the whole village.
When many families sleep under treated nets, many mosquitoes die each night. There are fewer mosquitoes in the whole area. This even helps people who do not have a net.
What do the studies say?
Researchers looked at many studies together:
- Compared with no net, treated nets cut malaria cases by about half. They also cut deaths of young children by about 1 in 6. That is about 6 children’s lives saved for every 1,000 children who sleep under treated nets each year.
- Compared with normal nets, treated nets cut malaria cases by about 40% more.
How to use your treated net
When you get a new net
- Take it out of the bag. Hang it in the shade for one day before you sleep under it.
- Some people feel a little tingling or itching on the skin for the first few days. This is normal and goes away.
Every night
- Hang the net over the bed or sleeping mat.
- Get under the net before dark. Malaria mosquitoes bite at night.
- Tuck the bottom of the net in, all the way round.
- Use it every night, all year, in the dry season too.
Who should sleep under it?
Everyone. But young children and pregnant women must always sleep under a treated net. Treated nets are safe for babies and pregnant women.
Caring for your net
- Wash it only when it is dirty, about every 3 months. Too much washing removes the insecticide.
- Use cool water and plain soap. Do not use bleach or strong washing powder.
- Dry it in the shade, not in the sun. Sun damages the insecticide.
- Sew or tie up holes as soon as you see them.
- Do not use the net for fishing, for crops or as a curtain.
When is a net too old?
After about 3 years, the insecticide is weak. Keep using your old net until you can get a new one. An old net is still better than no net. Ask your clinic or health worker when new nets will be given out. In many countries they are free.
Remember
- Any net is better than no net.
- A treated net (LLIN) is best. It blocks mosquitoes and kills them.
- Use it every night, tuck it in, and look after it.
Read more: How to hang and care for your mosquito net · New nets that beat strong mosquitoes · Learn: Mosquito Nets
Watch: Episode 18, Mosquito Nets → See the free series
Download: Mosquito Net Flip Chart (Resources page)
Give a net: Donate
Sources: Pryce, Richardson and Lengeler, Insecticide-treated nets for preventing malaria, Cochrane Review (2018); WHO guidelines for malaria (vector control); WHO guidance on long-lasting insecticidal nets.
This article gives general information only. Always follow a health worker’s advice.
