Mosquito net mesh size | how to choose the best?

Mosquito nets are internationally labelled with mesh, the number of meshes per square inch. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a mesh size of at least 156 (Mesh 156) to protect against mosquitoes and other insects. In malaria regions in combination with impregnation.

GlisGlis mosquito nets have a mesh size of 220 (meshes per square inch).
This is higher than the mesh size 156 required by the WHO.

Which mesh size is ideal?

Information on the mesh size of mosquito nets is given internationally in mesh (mesh per square inch). A mesh size of around 156 – 200 meshes per square inch is recommended to ensure effectiveness against mosquitoes and midges of all kinds.

Buying a mosquito net. What’s important?

Several factors should be considered when buying a mosquito net. Depending on the destination, the mesh size is crucial to ensure protection against mosquitoes. Smaller meshes mean a higher number of meshes, as there are more meshes in the specified area. This guarantees that more insect species can be kept away from the user.

But – important to know – larger meshes allow for better air circulation, which is especially important in tropical and hot and humid regions. It is therefore recommended to choose a mesh size that is just big enough to keep out dangerous mosquito species such as Anopheles mosquitoes, which are common in tropical areas. At the same time, it still allows enough fresh air inside.

Mosquitoes in northern regions. What’s different?

In northern regions such as Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada and Russia, there are up to 50 different species of mosquito, which are particularly annoying and require a different mesh size due to their smaller body size. The climate in these regions is rarely humid, even at the height of summer, so a very small mesh size can be selected without impairing air circulation too much. In cooler climates, the lower air movement is therefore less of a problem, so a higher mesh count can be used to keep out even the smallest insects.

Additional protection against insects can be achieved by spraying mosquito nets with insect repellent. These increase the effectiveness of the net and provide a further protective shield against mosquitoes and other insects.

Choosing the right mosquito net therefore requires careful consideration of mesh size and thread thickness to ensure both the best possible ventilation and the most effective protection against insects. In tropical areas where diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are transmitted by mosquitoes, it is particularly important to choose a net with a mesh size of 180-200 MESH. This mesh count keeps out most dangerous mosquito species while allowing sufficient air circulation.

Which material is suitable for mosquito nets?

Another factor to consider is the quality of the net or net fabric. Mosquito nets are made from different materials such as Nylon, Polyester or Polypropylene, with some being more resistant to wear and weathering than others. A robust net offers long-term protection and is particularly advantageous in regions with high insect populations. The most common material for mosquito nets is polyester, but there are also nets even made out of cotton on the market. However, we would not recommend these, as cotton nets in particular are relatively heavy, absorb odours and do not really ventilate well.

In addition, treating the net with insect repellent can significantly increase its effectiveness. These agents provide additional protection and can help to extend the life of the net. However, it is important to ensure that the insect repellents used are safe for human use and have no harmful effects on health.

In conclusion, the choice of the right mosquito net depends on various factors. The mesh size, the thread thickness, the climate and the type of insects to be kept out all play an important role. With careful consideration and the right choice, you can effectively protect yourself against mosquitoes and other annoying insects while ensuring good ventilation, which is particularly essential in tropical regions.

Mosquito net – what’s the right choice of mesh?

As there are hundreds of manufacturers on the market, a few details should be taken into account. When choosing a mosquito net, the right mesh size should be taken into account in addition to the design.
Large mesh count, small mesh size.

High mesh count, small mesh size

A small mesh size prevents many mosquitoes from entering the net. However, especially in tropical regions, this can impair air circulation and be unpleasant for the user.

Low mesh count, large mesh size

With large meshes, the air can circulate well, which is a particular advantage in warm countries. However, smaller insects may also find their way through the mesh.

Therefore, when choosing a mosquito net, make sure that you select a net with exactly the right mesh size to keep out the smallest species of mosquito in the country in question. In tropical countries, these are often the relatively large, malaria-transmitting mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles, while in northern regions they are much smaller mosquitoes such as the northern blackfly, midges or blackflies.

Which mesh size to use for which region?

Basically, the following can be simplified. (please see this as a rough guide only, as it always depends on the destination)

Europe | Mesh 156 – 220

This mesh size is suitable for Europe (incl. Southern Europe) and the Mediterranean region. Here, nets can also be used without impregnation.

Tropical Areas | Minimum mesh 156 + impregnation

Tropical destinations where it is hot and humid and there is a risk of infection, e.g. malaria or dengue fever. Do not overdo the mesh count here, as ventilation is also important in these areas. The impregnation provides additional protection to the mesh.

Scandinavia and Scotland | Mesh 1.000 or higher

Scandinavia and similar colder countries where there are midges or black flies. Here, the high mesh size does not cause stuffy air as it is relatively cool.