Sorry to all you experienced South Asia travellers is this
question seems naive, but I would really appreciate your
help...am heading to Pakistan to work for two years and
would like to know about mosquito nets. I have Coopex
insecticide to treat one but what is better to buy one there
or in Australia? Shall I fork out the $30-$70 for one from
the TMVC range or is one from a camping store fine for $15?
Or just buy the material and make my own? I will be living
in a house in Paki and probably doing some trekking up north
later on, do most houses come with attachments for the nets
or can you buy something there? If you're tying a net to an
attachment from the ceiling what are the chances of
mosquitos still getting in, although you would be mostly
covered? Or shall I go for one of those more expensive pop
up ones that means being covered all over? Obviously as
this is a big move $ and baggage are vital....
I appreciate your help, happy travelling :-)
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I don't know what TMVC is, but expensive and practical
aren't always the same. The problem with the Indian
subcontinent is that not only are there muskies, but it is
hot most of the year. Many muskie nets (including those sold
there) severely restrict air circulation and are very
stuffy. Unfortunately, cotton is the worst because the
strands are thick. What you want is the most lightweight net
made from very thin threads of synthetic material, from
whatever source. Muskies can't gnaw through so weight
doesn't provide extra protection.
.
'Mostly covered' is like 'almost pregnant'. It's not as
though if you cover 75% of yourself, you will prevent 75% of
the bites! Muskies are smart enough to go around obstacles.
You have to be fully covered. If you keep lots of twine
with you, the nets can be hung in practically any room, by
tying the twine to door and window hardware, nails and other
things firmly implanted in walls, etc. (Few rooms in the
Indian subcontinent have pristine walls.) It takes a bit of
skill and can be a hassle until you get the hang of it; the
trick is to keep adjusting the twine lengths until the net
is in the right position above your bed. The edges of the
net MUST be completely tucked under your mattress.
.
PS the net should be set up so it will not touch any part of
your body, or alternatively, you should sleep so no part of
your body touches the net. Muskies can and will bite through
nets.
.
e I have described steps appropriate to the extreme case. In
some places, there aren't too many muskies, or they are
relatively mild-mannered. But you don't know before you go.
Of course if you have air-conditioning, that keeps most
muskies out.
use mosquito coils
you can find mosquito coils almost everywhere
Mosquino nets are avalaible in the textille shop all arround
india for 200-350 INR, single or double size.
Better to buy on place.
Asta luego..
Better buy in India/Pak. Much cheaper.
.
It's far better than coils, mats, pads or whatever. While
most chemical methods claim to be safe, I've seen increased
respiratory allergies because of these when used over a long
period (2 yrs & +).
.
cotton nets are stuffy but a fan helps. synth nets are
easier to manage but tear very easily. And believe me, you
get one tear that's larger than a mosquito, you will have a
very restful night.
.
Other than that, chuckles has hit it on the head. In my
experience no mossie bite is mild. They all sting and hard.
I've seen bites swell up and turn infected in some extreme
cases.
.
You need a net, lotions/cream for the evenings and chemical
coils/mats for places where you can't put up your net.