Insecticide-treated bed nets work two ways: they create a physical barrier against mosquito bites while you sleep, and the insecticide on the net kills or repels mosquitoes that land on it. For this protection to work, the net needs to be used every single night, not just during the rainy season.
Tuck the edges of the net securely under the mattress or sleeping mat so there are no gaps, and check regularly for holes or tears, which can be patched with a needle and thread or tape made for that purpose.
Children under five and pregnant women are at higher risk of severe malaria, so making sure nets are prioritised for them, where a household doesn't have enough for everyone, can save lives.
Most treated nets remain effective for about three years; if yours is older, faded, or torn beyond repair, ask at a local clinic about replacement programs, which are often free or low-cost in malaria-endemic areas.