Community and household effect Where whole communities are using treated nets, the number of mosquitoes and the proportion infected with malaria parasites are reduced. Thus, even those not sleeping under a treated net are also less likely to get malaria. More than 20 studies have been done in areas where malaria is endemic, including more than 12 in Africa. Mosquito nets treated with stable pyrethroid insecticides can provide children with a remarkable degree of protection against malaria and more generally against death before the age of five. Other subsequent studies confirm these results and the ability of ITNs to reduce the number of disease episodes in communities with stable malaria is no longer questioned.
Fewer mosquitoes enter the room.
This is particularly noticeable with ITNs with holes. A proportion of female mosquitoes are killed by the insecticide, either before or after feeding. Mosquitoes that would have stayed in the room to rest are stimulated to leave. Excito - repellancy . Their effects on insect behaviour include driving them from their hiding places.