Screen house - mosquitoes

Hi Everyone,
Please accept my apologies if this is a repeat question, but does anyone use a screen house? We are going to camp at Huntington Beach SP where the salt marsh is home to lots of mosquitoes. I think I'd like something to go over the site's picnic table for protection. I'll use bug repellant at times, but all the effective sprays make me sick.
Can you recommend a sturdy not-too-pricey option? It can get windy by the beach.
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Monica

 

Jim and I are going over options for a screen room, too. Sometimes little crawly, flying things can drive you nuts. We haven't made a decision yet, but we do have a possible option for the spray. Instead of those chemicals with deets, try an organic product with lemon eucalyptus oil. Non-toxic, smells nice and the bus just hate it. We us it all the time and haven't had a bug bite in years (knock wood). Until you figure out what type of tent, this is a good stand-by.

Hope it works for you.

Camp On

Sue

 

I am sure there are other options, but our Northern Breeze can act as a screen house, as well as a shelter from the rain. The flaps roll up and you can see out on all 4 sides. It can be pricey, but we were able to find it on sale a while back. I am sure others will have other suggestions as well.

 

Thanks Sue - I'll look for that product. I am a mosquitoe magnet.
And Northern Breeze has been on a wish list for awhile Sarah. I have read many great reviews but the few cons (and the price) have held me back from buying. One review said that it traps heat, which is great for cooler weather but not so good for summer southern coast camping. I also read it can be dark inside. Comments?
Thanks ladies!

 

Monica,

You can get the lemon eucalyptus oil at Walmart in the camping section-Coleman sells a version. You'll find it right next to the deets.

As to the net, if you already have a canopy, try just getting a bunch of netting and clip in onto the edges. We're going to try it with our canopy and soon as I can find the right type of netting. Oh, Jim says make sure you have weights for each of the legs of the canopy-at least 25 on each leg.

Sue

 

We use a fan in our northern breeze when hot and humid. It does keep heat from building in the top. If you have all 4 sides down it is blue (dark). But there are so many different ways to pull back the sides or roll them up that we have not felt it dark.

 

We haven't had a proper summer for 2 years, so we haven't had the experience of keeping heat in due to warm summer days (it certainly keeps the rain out...that I can attest to). There are a few cons. I can't put it up by myself (need another adult as my 4 year old isn't too handy with tents yet). It is a dark color, but we weren't too bothered by the shade it produced (but then we are redheads and pretty much allergic to the sun). I could see how the heat could collect. I am not sure if having the side panels up would allow enough breeze through the screens with out help. The fan sounds like a good idea. It will keep heat in on cold nights too, which we have found helpful.

Good luck!

 

As far as I know, the Northern Breeze is the best bad weather tent out there. For hot weather you might be looking for a different product - perhaps a 'Southern Breeze.'
Like Sarah said, we haven't had a proper summer for a few years so we don't know what nice weather is like.

 

Nice weather is camping in Florida from mid April to mid May this year. Highs in the low 80's and lows in the low 70's for 30 days. It did rain one day in the Keys.

Hilditch

 

Very jealous...

 

That top one looks nice.. it's gotta be a 16x16 or so... Tried to find it here, but not seeing the smoother dome style..
http://www.ecanopy.com/pop-up-canopies.html

might be in there somewhere..
My next one will be a 16x16... as in the rain, they become a 14x14... until I get the semi-clear panes...

 

Hey Jenn = that is our tent, trailer!
It is a Coleman Max canopy. Purchased at the unspeakable Walmart. You can also get sides for it. It is a 12 x 12 and we love it.
We put it up over the top to the point just past the doors, that way if it rains you can still get in and out in the dry area and have the vent open at night (and screen doors). There is still about 2 feet on each side under the tent and plenty of room behind the trailer to sit with at least two chairs and a small table.

here's the linkhttp://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=Coleman+Max+Canopy+12+X+12&se=endeca&

tina

 

We also have a screen tent just like the one in the picture above that we use too. It is a 13 x 15. It is nice if it is buggy and lots of mosquitos. Also we place it all the way over the teardrop and zip up in it. Again can still set 2 chairs in the back comfortably, four can fit fine to visit. Right Betsey? Remember Nelson-Dewey in August. I'll have to find the picture and post the set up tonight.

We purchased this one at Cabelas on sale. (Think we got it for $99)
Wouldn't let me paste the link, hmmmm.
Trekker™ Family Gazebo
Regular Price: $149.99
Item: IK-519811

tina

 

The big blue room in the bottom picture is the Eureka Northern Breeze.

Tear fits inside! Enough room at gealley for two people and chairs.

I am able to put it up by myself, but much easier and faster with 3 people.

Holds up well in wind, rain, snow. Great for bad weather. Has a tendancy to "collect heat" in summer. Spendy and sturdy.

 

How could I forget...thought the mosquitoes were going to carry us away! It was a lifesaver!

Betsey

 

heres a picture taken with the Treker Screen Tent at Nelson Dewey State Park.

 

Jenn,

Know you have the Kelty sun shade. How did you choose the product and what have you noticed for pro's and con's?

What are the pro's and con's compared to the REI Alcove?

Jean

 

Tina,

Love that shot of the CI completely covered in the screen tent - just like a little Easter Egg with a cellophane wrapper. I've been after Jim to get a screen tent 'cause some of the places we love are very buggy. I especially hate having to deal with aggressive yellow jackets. They've been awful rough these past few years and sometimes swarms are thick enough to carry away a baby elephant.

And they bite.

By the way, how do folks manage to walk into Cabelas, then get out alive and with some money left in the account? We stopped at one in Wyoming (or was is Arizona?) and barely escaped with an empty wallet. Too many toys.

Camp On,

Sue

 

I must be missing something here. I thought the idea of a trailer or any kind was to have a place to sleep and get out of the elements without the necessity of a tent. Now I see several of you have side tents, potty tents, tents that cover the tear and tents to cover tents. Where do you carry all these tents or do you get a bigger tow vehicle. It is getting intense.

Dave

 

Tents are not a "necessity" item. THe tents are useful during Spring and Fall so I can enjoy camping 3 seaason. Screen tents provide weather protection during rain, snow, sleet, hail, and strong winds. I have experienced all weather conditions using the big blue room. Without tent, camping would have been extremely miserable.

Sun shade protection and provide a sense of a porch while camping.

The porch effect provides a sense of "privacy" while using galley instead of standing in the wide open.

Usually bring the Northern breeze on all trips, and use about 50% of the time.

So far the only tent I have is the large blue room, Northern Breeze. Fits nicely in car(Outback) or inside tear.

Each person determines our own needs for gear while camping. For instance Betsey enjoys cooking and brings lots of cooking items and shares great food! Some campers like decorating their site with lights and various knick knacks.

You determine what meets your needs

Jean