Mosquito Insecticide is an effective method of mosquito control and is useful in treating bednets in areas of the world where malaria is found. Children sleeping regularly under treated mosquito nets suffer less from malaria than those not using treated nets, and they are far less likely to die from the disease and its complications. The nets will help prevent mosquito bites.

The people who benefit most from using a treated net are those who are most at risk of contracting severe malaria or dying from it. The health benefits are greatest among young children, pregnant women and other people (such as visitors) who have little immunity to the disease. Children who live in areas that have malaria can develop immunity to it, but it will happen quicker in children who do not use bednets.

Malaria is spread by a particular variety of mosquito known as the Anopheles mosquito, which prefers to feed at night, i.e., while people are sleeping. A mosquito looking for blood will move toward a person but will then come into contact with the insecticide on the net and die or be repelled by it.

How Effective Are Bednets Treated with Mosquito Insecticide?

It is important to remember that nets are not perfect - they can get torn, they may be too small to be tucked under a mattress or mat, so mosquitoes can enter the sleeping area; people may also roll in their sleep up against the side of the net, where mosquitoes can bite. Research shows that bed nets without mosquito insecticide can prevent malaria but are much less effective than treated nets.