Saw this mosquito solution on tv looks perfect for boat.

kloudie1 · Oct 13, 2015

We use these down here in the buggy bayous..

http://www.thermacell.com/mosquito-repellent/appliances/mosquito-repellent-appliance-in-olive

They really work well..A very tiny enclosed butane flame heating a pad with mosquito repellant in the pad.. the only thing ya have to watch is the wind.. the vaporized stuff blows downwind so you have to put the device upwind. I have two on the boat.. one goes on the cockpit floor and one goes in the companionway.. The hatches have screens.. makes for a pleasant evening.

DHaranSailor · Oct 13, 2015

My neighbor is a big under and he swears by the Thermacells.

Leeward Rail · Oct 13, 2015

+1 for thermacell. I use nothing but up here where it can easily be as "buggy" as the swamps down south, and I've tried darn near everything over the years.
The "off" pads use the same active ingredient, "allethrin" but with a exposed flame/candle instead of a butane system, for that reason I prefer the Thermacell.

Another option, if you have screens, is to use something like Coleman Gear and Clothing Spray, which contains permethrin.
You don't spray it on your skin, you spray it on gear like screens, clothing, and tents and let it dry.

Both work great, but are insecticides, unlike your bottle method. Thanks for the idea. I'll test it out next summer.

thinwater · Oct 13, 2015

Have you actually tested this method? I've read of it, and the folks that tried it said it didn't catch much. please try it, count the catch, and then post.

This actually works: I've caught many dozens in minutes.
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-clear-cabin-of-flying-pests.html

Gene Neill · Oct 14, 2015

allen-deckard said:
Anyway I was thinking this would probably work perfect onboard for mosquitos.
You take a 2 liter bottle
Cut the top 1/3rd off
Fill the bottom with a mix of
Sugar, Water, Yeast (mix shortly before you need it not before)

Take the top part of the bottle and turn it upside down and put back on bottom part

Wrap in tape
The mosquitos are attracted to the Carbon dioxide, and the sugary smell
They enter the top to get to it but once they get inside they cant get out.

Anyway no candles burning no hosing yourself down in deet before going to sleep.

I just thought it would be great in locations (like mine) where the mosquitos will suck you dry overnight if your not careful.

I have strong doubts, but the skeeters at my house are so off the charts I will try anything! It's a cheap experiment. I'll pick up some yeast and give it a shot right here on my porch. I'll let you know how it goes.

I was unfamiliar with Thermacell, but they do get fantastic reviews! I'm gonna pick one up without further delay. That, and a can of Leeward's Permethrin spray.

Combined with the 100% DEET spray I keep on board, we might just get the filthy degenerate bloodsucking flying demon vermin monster vampire spawns of Satan under control!

woodster · Oct 16, 2015

i had a project back in the late 80's where i was installing an elevator in the drydock facility for the trident subs in kings bay ga it was to move support personnel from sea level 90 ft below to the bottom of a large pit where they worked on the subs anyway it was summer and the mosquitoes were unbearable at the bottom with all the silt and whatever on the bottom of the pit ...i went to the store and got some deep woods off in the green can and applied it all over myself and the men ...from that day forward no more problems with mosquitoes

Leeward Rail · Oct 16, 2015

I agree on the Deet problem. It's fine if you can shower it off each night.

I'd definitely try the thermocell. In the few times we have been camping in the boat on the trailer, we have put it just outside the hatch in the cockpit. It worked well
Depending on wind conditions, it kept the bugs out of the cabin while minimizing the amount of the chemical in the cabin.
With a boom tent or a bimini it should work even better.
They claim that outdoors it covers a 4 meter x 4 meter area. In my experience what's more or less accurate if there is no wind.

The biggest problem with them is the cost. Most people forget to disconnect the butane cartridge and it's empty the next day. I've modified a few so I can refill them like a lighter.

Even though they make various models, they all use the same butane cartridge and chemical pads. Just get the cheapest one you can find, unless you want the one that can also be mounted on your belt for hunting and hiking.

Gene Neill · Oct 16, 2015

The experiment is under way! Water, sugar, yeast, check check check. For my part, I can't IMAGINE this being effective enough to make a difference. But I can't resist a good science experiment, especially when it involves killin' skeeters.

Plus I figure when the experiment is done, I can always strain out the dead bugs (if any) and chug the contents of the bottle!

woodster · Oct 16, 2015

Gene Neill said:
Plus I figure when the experiment is done, I can always strain out the dead bugs (if any) and chug the contents of the bottle!

man your digestive track is going to wish you had cut your throat

Leeward Rail · Oct 16, 2015

Die skeeters die ! just like myth busters BTW I think you forgot the grain

BayMan · Oct 17, 2015

There is an "as seen on TV" self locking magnetic screen door. Always thought that may work on the companion way. Anyone ever try it?

Leeward Rail · Oct 17, 2015

BayMan said:
There is an "as seen on TV" self locking magnetic screen door. Always thought that may work on the companion way. Anyone ever try it?

I plan on trying one next year with my poptop cover.

justsomeguy · Oct 17, 2015

allen-deckard said:
if anyone is interested I'll find a picture of my companion way screen door I made stores easy in boat. Also made an easy to put on screen for forward hatch.

Please do!

John23883 · Oct 17, 2015

We use $4 electric flyswatters. They don't actually work well for flies because they would break if you hit something hard, you have to hit the fly as they are flying and they are usually too fast. But, they are fantastic for mosquitoes. Just hold it close to them and let them fly into it. If they are on the wall, just hold it over them until they fly into it. My wife likes to say, "DIE SUCKER DIE", when the go pow! Got annoying mosquitoes flying around your head in the dark while trying to sleep? Simply grab you swatter, push the button and just move it around your head until you hear that POP and you can to sleep with a satisfied grin. Really, all the cruisers in our group have them, they work, there is no mess on the wall or ceiling and the popping sound is very satisfying. I have personally killed hundreds of mosquitoes in the North Channel.

shemandr · Oct 17, 2015

When it comes to biting insects I'm a steamship round. So you can roll me in DEET, sprinkle me with Permethrin and garnish with Allethrin! I'm not going to live forever and I'd prefer to not be tortured by 'skeeters, no see 'um's and flies (Ever get bit by one of the green headed ones that rip a chunk of flesh out to get your blood)? I say it's war and all means should be employed.

All U Get · Oct 17, 2015

allen-deckard said:
Anyway I was thinking this would probably work perfect onboard for mosquitos.

You take a 2 liter bottle
Cut the top 1/3rd off
Fill the bottom with a mix of
Sugar, Water, Yeast (mix shortly before you need it not before)

Take the top part of the bottle and turn it upside down and put back on bottom part

Wrap in tape
The mosquitos are attracted to the Carbon dioxide, and the sugary smell
They enter the top to get to it but once they get inside they cant get out.

Anyway no candles burning no hosing yourself down in deet before going to sleep.

Did this in the backyard this summer and there were fewer bugs. However there might have been fewer bugs anyhow. Rain water would fill the bottle so I would empty all but a little and add more sugar. I used a green bottle and wrapped it with tape so it was dark inside. They are also attracted to wine and vinegar.
All U Get