Posts Tagged ‘screen tents’
Screen Tents ~ A Bonus Item for Campers
Camping is one of those outdoor activities that everyone seems to enjoy. It’s a great way to save money on a family vacation or even a weekend trip to the mountains with your buddies. When you go camping there are certain necessities that are obvious such as a tent, sleeping bags, cookware, food, etc. However, there is also a list of items that are considered very important by many, but happen to be a less obvious choice to ensure comfort and satisfaction.
A Eureka screen tent is a bonus item for all campers. It would definitely be on the list of things people are less likely to consider. Unlike a traditional camping tent, a screen tent provides shelter without completing shutting out your surroundings. While the top and bottom of a screen tent are solid, all sides are transparent and made from micro netting that allows the sunshine in but not the bugs.
Escaping Insect Bites
Last summer my family and I went camping on the banks of the Columbia River and it was a disaster. Ok, that may be a little drastic. We did spend four days on the water, the weather was gorgeous and we had some quality family bonding. The trouble came from the nasty insects—mainly mosquitoes—which were rampant at night.
Every morning we all awoke to a host of new mosquito bites, and by the time we left, our truck had several emptied bottles of calamine lotion. This year we’re returning to the same campground, but I’m going to be prepared this time around. I’ve purchased a Eureka screen tent, offering us a safe haven from the perils of the riverside insects.
Combating Vicious Mosquitoes
Last weekend my wife and I hosted our annual BBQ at our waterfront property on Lake Washington. Summer is just hitting its stride here in the Pacific Northwest, and the weather was gorgeous the entire day. But as you probably know, the combination of heat and water creates a hotbed of mosquito activity. And as soon as the sun began to set, the mosquitoes began to rear their ugly heads.
We tried everything to keep the mosquitoes at bay—candles, spray, those tiki torches—but to no avail. Finally I decided to go inside and pull out my secret weapon: the screen house. After setting up the screen house and bringing all of the food inside, we were able to enjoy the rest of the evening free of bug bites.
Controlling the Mosquito Population
Aside from serving as food for certain predators, mosquitoes are the kinds of creatures that serve little purpose other than to cause discomfort. Mosquitoes can carry a host of harmful diseases, including West Nile Virus, leave itchy bite marks, and breed incessantly. Controlling the mosquito population has been the goal of many naturalists and environmentalists. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant pools of water including birdbaths, ponds, and even puddles. In order to control the mosquito population, people who have ponds especially should use natural mosquito control. This product kills mosquitoes with natural bacteria, safe for other living creatures.
Mosquitoes are one of the world’s most renowned pests, and keeping them out of your yard and out of proximity to your home benefits everyone. Of course, despite our best efforts, mosquitoes will inevitably continue to be a nuisance, which is why a Eureka screen house is still a sound investment.
Don’t Leave Home Without It…
As any hiking enthusiast knows, there are certain essential items that should always be taken on a camping trip. And it goes beyond the obvious. Beyond the tent, mat, and sleeping bag, you’re going to want to be equipped with a quality screen house to protect against mosquitoes.
A screen house has several benefits that can keep you safe and comfortable. First, it can reduce the chance of malaria, West Nile Virus, and other mosquito-born illnesses. While the chance of contracting these illnesses is admittedly slim, there is no harm in being as safe as possible.
The other added benefit is quite pragmatic: mosquitoes are annoying. They bite and leave persistent, itching reminders of their presence. Screen houses can protect you from this annoyance.
Depending on where you like to camp, mosquitoes can be more or less persistent. If you know that your area of the country is infested with these flying annoyances, screen houses can be a cheap way to make your next camping trip as convenient and comfortable as possible.
Keeping Mosquitoes at Bay
Mosquitoes can ruin a camping trip faster than inclement weather, and without the proper protection, they’re a real nuisance even if in small numbers. To protect against mosquitoes, it’s a good idea to use bug spray. For the best protection, purchase bug spray that contains DEET, as this will be most effective in deterring mosquitoes. You can also use mosquito lanterns, which are small burning lamps that emit a smoke which will keep mosquitoes out of the area. There is a common perception that candles can serve to deter mosquitoes, but in truth, standard paraffin wax candles have no effect. You can also use screen houses to keep mosquitoes and other bugs out of the campsite. With large size screen houses, it’s even possible to set up a tent inside which will provide it with an extra layer of protection and ensure there are no bugs that come biting in the night.
When choosing a camping location, be aware that rivers, lakes, and marshes tend to be homes to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes dislike the ocean water, so often camping on the beach there will be no mosquitoes, but they can nest just off the shore.
Keeping the Bugs at Bay
If you’ve ever been camping, you can relate to this experience: you set up a beautiful spread for lunch and within seconds hundreds of flies descend upon it. The last thing you want to do after hiking for miles and struggling to prepare a meal in the wild is to try to fend off countless insects. Not only is this unappetizing, but it is also unsanitary.
One of the best ways to eliminate this problem is through the use of a Eureka screen tent. The structure is large enough to house an entire picnic table and has breathable mesh to prevent congestion. After using one on my last camping trip, I’m never going without it again.
Lessons Learned from Constant Campers
Now that our family has camped in the Appalachians for a few years in a row, we’ve picked up a few helpful tips that other outdoors enthusiasts might find helpful. First, I’d recommend against renting cabins for the week. As long as you’re living without electricity and running water, what’s the point of having a bed and a roof? A nice, durable tent with an air mattress will do the same job as much less cost.
I’ve also found that it’s essential to bring along some screen tents when camping in large groups. Our screen tent serves as an impromptu dining hall. The bug-proof netting keeps pests away from our food supply, and eating inside the tent is often preferable to risking beestings and other dangers at a picnic table. Finally, I make sure to pack a thick, comfortable sleeping bag; even if you’re camping in a warm-weather climate, the nights can prove chilly.
Staying Out of the Sun on a Hot Day
Each year when my family reunion rolls around, I pack up the van with hotdogs, hamburger patties, grilling equipment, folding chairs and tasty beverages. If there’s enough room left, I also bring the wife and kids along. When we get to our destination, which is generally a city park on the opposite side of the state, most of the family has already arrived.
Out of regard for the oldest generation of matriarchs and patriarchs, we also pack a screen house that provides ample shade and protection from bugs. While the kids run around and play in the park and most of the adults bask outside in the sun, the elderly folks can kick back and relax without becoming weak in the heat. I’m thankful every generation of our family can enjoy a special day together.