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Mosquito Netting Recommendations
The treated mosquito nets Barbara Wille ordered from Thailand have arrived, and she will bring them to the May chapter meeting. You don't have to buy this particular net, but the price is less than half the normal price. She has enough for everyone.
If you're not getting this mosquito net, you'll want to look at the webpage for more options.
PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES!
The malaria mosquito bites at twilight and nighttime. The dengue mosquito bites during the day, most often in the early morning and late afternoon.
1. Take and use an insect repellent* containing 20-35% DEET
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
3. Sleep under a mosquito net**. Treat the net with permethrin before leaving home. (Volunteers were given written instructions at the Health and Safety Retreat).Store treated items in a plastic bag, away from light. According to the CDC web site, permethrin is effective for several months on a mosquito net that is not washed. Clothing can also be treated; however permethrin washes out after about 5 washings.
* Studies in medical journals and Consumer Reports have top-rated these mosquito repellents: "Ultrathon", "OFF! Deep Woods", and "Sawyer Controlled Release". They give longer protection than other brands.
** Return volunteers have varying opinions about what type mosquito netting is best to use. The most common recommendations have been:
Traditional rectangular net, lightweight, inexpensive ($12-$14), and most commonly used by local people (be sure to buy the single size). Or look at the "Tracker", which hangs from one point ($25-$35). The "Bug Hut I" is self-contained and easy to set up, but the disadvantage is that it’s quite "high-tech" looking and the "no-see-um netting might restrict air flow, which can be bothersome in very hot weather.
Some sources for mosquito netting and insect repellent: REI, www.travmed.com, www.campmor.com and www.scs-mall.com
from Barbara Wille, Board Member
The veteran volunteers I've spoken to have varying opinions
about which mosquito net they think works best for them. I'd like to
pass on some information I've gleaned about mosquito nets, and would
welcome feedback from Chapter members. Remember that any of these nets
should preferrably be pretreated with permethrin, to repel
insects.
1. The cheapest net costs around $13, is a plain rectangle that hangs
from 4-6 points, and is available from REI, www.campmoor.com, and
elsewhere. The disadvantage is that it can sometimes be a
challenge to find the 4 points from which to hang it.
2. There's a backpacker's net ("Traveler") that hangs from just 1
point, costs $25-$35. A drawback is that it can be
difficult to keep it away from touching the body.
3. I just ordered a travel net that I really like. It hangs from 1
point, from a bendable ring at the top. And its pretreated with
premethrin. Big problem is the cost; and since it came from Quebec,
there's a hefty shipping charge ($52 total cost). I got it in
just 2 days, from www.travelhealthhelp.com. In
2006 we started ordering this type of net directly from Thailand (for
less than $15)for those chapter volunteers who want them.
4. You might check out the nets at www.travmed.com.
5. There are self-structured nets (like little tents) that don't
require any hanging points. The problem that I see with these is
that they are very high-tech, expensive (and expensive looking!),
nothing like the people in the communities will be using. In high risk
Chagas areas, like parts of Bolivia, Amigos has used nets like these in
the past, but I think they're probably overkill for other areas.
These are my own opinions. Please call or email with me any questions/comments. I'd love feedback and more information. Thanks!
2nd Product Delivery
Food Bank Donations
