Mosquito Net

Mortein is an Australian brand of household insecticide. Together with its sister product Aerogard, a popular insect repellant, Mortein has become something of a household name in Australia, owing much in this regard to its cartoon antagonist, Louie the Fly. Louie made his first appearance on Australian TV in 1957. In a jingle used in animated TV commercials since 1962, he proudly sings of his own dirtiness, claiming to be afraid of no-one except "the man with the can of Mortein." Mortein's slogan is "More smart, more safe, Mortein."

A mosquito net offers protection against mosquitos, flies, and other insects, and thus against diseases such as malaria. Its fine, see-through, mesh construction stops many insects from biting and disturbing the person using the net. The mesh is fine enough to exclude these insects, but it does not completely impede the flow of air. Mosquito nets are often used where malaria or other insect-borne diseases are common, especially as a tent-like covering over a bed. For effectiveness, it is important that the netting not have holes or gaps large enough to allow insects to enter. Because an insect can bite a person through the net, the net must not rest directly on the skin.

Mosquito nets do reduce air flow to an extent and sleeping under a net is hotter than sleeping without one, which can be uncomfortable in tropical areas without air-conditioning. One alternative for reducing mosquito bites is to use a fan to increase air flow, as mosquitoes prefer still air; however, this is far less effective and mosquito netting is preferable in areas with insect-borne diseases.

Another alternative is to apply an insect repellent to the skin; this also may be less effective (reducing rather than eliminating bites), more expensive, and may pose health risks with long-term use. Mosquito control measures are often appropriate and effective, but may be impractical to undertake effectively on an individual or small-scale basis.