Health education materials suggest containers that can be covered should be covered with nets and topped with lids. Lids are commonly used to cover drinking water containers, but not every container is covered. Using lids on frequently used containers was impractical. People thought that lids were unnecessary for containers with non-potable water. People pointed out that because they forgot to cover containers correctly, mosquitoes were able to get into containers. However, they failed to mention, without prompting, the condition of the lid. Ill-fitting or damaged lids allow mosquitoes to enter the
container. The perception that ill-fitting or broken lids are useable discourages people from obtaining new lids reducing the effectiveness of lids in preventing mosquito infestation. Lids were not affordable for some households.