Mosquito or no-see-um mesh for bug net?

Basically, as mosquito mesh is much lighter than the denser no-see-um mesh, I'm wondering if it's safe to get away with just using the former for a bug net. I don't know if no-see-ums are found in my area or not - wikipedia says they live in just about any aquatic habitat - but basically most of my backpacking and camping is going to be within a few hours drive of Philadelphia for the next few years and I'm wondering if I can shave a few ounces from a DIY bug net by using just mosquito netting and still be safe from bugs.

Alternately, could simple mosquito mesh be treated with permethrin to keep out just about anything?

A lot of people use Tulle for their netting which has bigger holes than no see um. It must do all right for them if they keep using it. I personally use no see um because I'm worried about this annoying black flies.

Fronkey

A friend and I spent this summer with mosquito netting setups on out hammocks.

We didn't have any problems, until...

one night, in the UP next to a lake. The noseeums were out in full force.

It sucks, it's like you have no protection at all. They swarm inside the netting, they want to eat you!

It was too warm and humid to really hide in the TQ.

I immediately freaked out and went maximum with the bug dope. I put it on my net, my face, arms, my quilt, my hair, etc.

that saved me.

My friend tried to tough it out, and woke up with at least a hundred bites on arms and face, neck etc. It totally sucked for him. We both had a lousy night sleep.

Moral of the story, use noseeum netting if you can. it will keep everything out.

We used mosquito netting because it is some military surplus stuff, and very tough. We like to bushwack a lot and hang in the bushes often.
Next summer I will work on a new net.

People swear by permethrin, I have only used it on clothing so far.
treating the netting would be something to try.
I haven't done it yet for fear of living in a permethrin stink cloud.
However slight it might be, I don't want all of my air inside to have any chemical odor.

I have made 4 of the Fronkey Bug nets out of tulle and absolutely love them. The tulle breaths sooooo much better than the ENO bug nets and better than the no see um on my Hennessys..

Who cares about durability of the tulle.... if it last 1 or 2 seasons, I can make another one for @ 15 bucks and less.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Randy

Who cares about durability of the tulle.... if it last 1 or 2 seasons, I can make another one for @ 15 bucks and less.

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I care about the durability.
if you have ever had a small hole in your shelter in mosquito country, you might also.

Obviously many people use different gear for their own reasons.

To the OP, I do not think your decision should be based on weight. (mosquito vs noseeum)
You seem to be stating that mosquito netting is lighter. I have not found this to be true. If you do find some that is lighter, it will likely be a very small difference.

Some tulle is extremely light., and can shave ounces.

I've seen mosquito netting (maybe it was Tulle?) for .28 oz/sq yard, whereas the lightest no-see-um I've seen was in the .7 oz range. Not a huge difference, sure, but hey, you don't get to a light pack load by waving off potential weight savings. I also assumed that since noseeum netting has smaller holes, there must be more material to fill in the space that would otherwise be holes.

Any other thoughts on treating the net with permethrin? Does it produce an odor in people's experience?

No-see-um country. Life with mosquito netting would be not as enjoyable.

Tulle big pluses are light & inexpensive. Limit my use of the material for making prototypes (aka mistakes, trial & error) and items where the durability issue is no big deal. Ultralight, breathable snake skins & ditty bags. Minimal net weight savings, but inexpensive.