Keeping the BUGS out!

[tumblebug]

What's the best way to keep bugs out? No-see-um netting on the openings? Anybody got any other bug repellent than the DEET to Skin-So-Soft gamut? Looking at Corpus Christi, TX area.

[AtlanticBryan]

Netting is the way to go as far as I can see, tumblebug. My admiral made hatch nettings that were made of nylon screening trimmed with cloth. In a seam in the trim she installed lead fishing weights. The whole contraption is draped over the open hatch cover, allowing ventilation without intrusions from mosquitos or no see ums.

Bryan

[cjmcfall]

Tumblebug,

I did the same thing as Bryan, but I used stainless steel chain, it fits into a pocket around the bottom of the hatch screen. I also made one for the companion way. I will never go with Velcro again, this idea works great.

PM me if you need more details.

Curtis

[luckytexan]

Corpus is kind of a tough one. The best part about the shore breeze is that it does keep the little buggers away, but at night when the wind dies watch out!!!
Not sure what kind of boat you have but I was able to find a hatch screen to fit in where the hatch boards go for mine, and the front hatch is lined with Velcro, for which I have a screen in a frame that I stick to the velcro to cover that.
As far as chemicals for keeping em at bay? I use Deep Woods Off. I usually am so sunburned and irritated by the sand when I am there for a few days that I don't notice the bugs for a couple of days!
Oh and another thing that kind of helps! My wife has these little citronella candles (Oil filled jobs) that she lights in the cabin and seems to help quite a bit, when I am out in the cockpit BBQ'ing I sure wish for a Bimini with netting around it though. The Off seems to do it for me tho!