Mosquito Net Canopy: Are They Good or Bad?

On the journey to destroy every single mosquito that uninvitedly enters the outdoor sacred space that is your backyard, we’re sure you’ve tried just about everything.

From chemical-infused bug sprays and dangerous mosquito coils to bathing in cloves of garlic and drinking copious amounts of lemon juice, there are many ways to keep the biting bugs at bay. Are they all safe? No. Do they all work? Also no. 

When it comes to itchy bites and the risk of potentially catching a life-threatening disease, desperate times call for desperate measures. However, if there was a safer way to effectively repel the buzzy villains — would you bite?

We thought so. 

Back in the day, we didn’t have too many options when it came to protection against mosquitoes. There also wasn’t very much research on the long-term effects of these popular products.

Fight Off the Bite

For instance, studies have recently proved that the chemical commonly found in insect repellents known as DEET can cause serious side effects (not to mention it’s also toxic for the environment).   

In addition to traditional insect repellents, the dangers of mosquito coils have also recently come to light. According to research, burning one mosquito coil is equivalent to burning 75 to 137 cigarettes. And we don’t have to tell you how bad cigarettes are for one’s health!   

As for the more natural approaches, you can always rub garlic cloves all over your body, but unless you enjoy smelling like a pizzeria, you might want to skip this hack. Another supposed way to keep the biting bugs away is by drinking lemon juice. Truth be told, there’s not a whole lot of research backing this claim, and honestly, this does sound like an entirely unpleasant resolution to an unpleasant situation. 

So if traditional mosquito repellents are jam-packed with harsh chemicals and mosquito coils are dangerous, you might be wondering what’s the next best way to avoid getting attacked by a swarm of hungry skeeters that don’t involve ingredients from your pantry. Don’t worry: we’ll tell you. But first, let’s talk a little bit about mosquito net canopies.

Chances are you’ve seen these mesh nets before, but what exactly are they, and do they work? 

Read on to find out. 

Everything You Need To Know About Mosquito Net Canopies

First things first, what is a canopy?

Simply put, a canopy is some kind of overhead structure that has a fabric or metal covering attached to provide shade or shelter from weather conditions such as sun, rain, or snow. 

So, with that in mind, a mosquito net canopy is an overhead structure with a type of meshed curtain that is circumferentially draped over a bed or sleeping area to offer barrier protection against bloodthirsty mosquitoes. While commonly used to keep the biting bugs at bay when it’s time to hit the hay, a mosquito net canopy can also be used outside.

Also known as insect nets, these low-tech mosquito net canopies are an excellent way to keep irritating flying and biting bugs from ruining everyone’s outdoor fun. Generally made of a polyester mesh, the lightweight netting allows plenty of airflow while keeping pests out. 

What’s the Catch?

Mosquito nets are often referred to as the first line of defense against the winged beasts, but what makes them so effective? 

Well, the truth is that the coveted nets are commonly pre-treated with insecticides — aka harsh chemicals. It’s these chemicals that repel mosquitoes.

While regarded as generally safe, no chemicals are good for the body, period. What’s more, new emerging research indicates that mosquitoes may develop behavioral resistance to these popular insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Not to mention the insecticides used to make ITNs tend to break down when constantly exposed to sunlight, requiring them to be replaced every six months.

That being said, if you live in an at-risk area, don’t go without a net. A net is a great asset in a full arsenal of mosquito defense products.

Needless to say, when you’re on the hunt for an effective way to protect yourself against the biting bugs, mosquito net canopies should not be your only safeguard. 

So, What’s the Best Way To Outsmart Mosquitoes? 

Here at The Natural Patch Co., we’re pretty big fans of the natural ingredients provided by Mother Nature. That’s why we created BuzzPatch — non-woven fabric patches infused with a combination of citronella and other essential oils that are perfectly safe for kids.

And the best part? Unlike topical sprays that contain icky ingredients like DEET or Picaridin, BuzzPatch is not only super easy to apply but environment-friendly!

Our revolutionary mosquito repellent patches are perfect for all ages, including babies, toddlers, kids, and adults. Keep your whole family safe and protected: the natural way.

Hold Up... Does Citronella Really Work?

Absolutely! Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent. And in a dose-by-dose comparison, the powerful essential oil is just as effective as DEET. 

Made from a mix of herbs, citronella provides a strong citrusy scent that the little bloodsuckers simply can’t stand. And seeing as skeeters track down their victims using their sense of smell, it makes perfect sense that citronella is an effective way of repelling the buzzy fliers.  

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why we formulate our all-natural mosquito repellent patches with citronella essential oil. Not only does BuzzPatch work, but unlike mosquito net canopies—it’s chemical-free!

Say Goodbye to Mosquitoes the Natural Way 

For us parents, we know what skeeter bites mean for kids. Our poor little ones can’t handle the itch, day or night. And while it might be tempting to use chemical-infused products like bug spray to keep the biting bugs at bay, the truth is that these harsh chemicals can sometimes do more harm than good. 

Thankfully, the times are beginning to change, and a bright light is starting to shine down on the dangers of insecticides. In other words, traditional insect repellents jam-packed with dangerous chemicals are no longer the only options available to repel mosquitoes. 

Today, we have BuzzPatch — the natural way to keep mosquitoes away. 

Designed with your precious kiddos in mind, our BuzzPatch mosquito repellent stickers are perfect for all of your outdoor adventures. No more insect spray made with icky chemicals and skin irritants.

No more fighting with your kids to get smelly, sticky bug spray on. With our innovative patches, all you have to do is apply a mess-free plant-based sticker, and voila — no more biting bugs!

Non-toxic and DEET-free, BuzzPatch is perfect for your littles. These quick and easy patches are long-lasting and work instantly. Simply apply one of our safe citronella stickers to your little one’s clothing, backpack, stroller, or chair and relax knowing that your precious tiny tot is protected from mosquitoes. 

All in all, mosquito nets are a great part of a mosquito-fighting home. But you can’t live your life under one giant net (especially when your kids want to go outside and play.)

When looking for a solution for fighting mosquitoes on the go or at home, BuzzPatch is the way to go. Fight nature with nature!

Sources:

Are mosquito coils good or bad for our health?

DEET | NPIC

Health Effects | Smoking & Tobacco Use

Are Mosquitoes Outsmarting Mosquito Nets? – National Geographic Education Blog | National Geographic

Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and testing |Malaria Journal

Exposure to Pesticides, Herbicides, & Insecticides: Human Health Effects | IFM