"Agreeing with the previous comment about bug zappers—they're noisy and distracting."
Gotta disagree slightly here... yeah, bug zappers can be annoying, but they're oddly satisfying too. Nothing beats the little victory zap when mosquitoes have been feasting on you all evening. Citronella candles smell nice, sure, but in my experience they're mostly decorative—bugs seem to think they're mood lighting. Fans are legit though, I'll give you that.
I get the appeal of bug zappers, but from a practical standpoint, they're not really solving the root problem. Sure, you get that satisfying zap, but they're actually attracting more bugs to your area than you'd naturally have. I've found that strategically placed fans are way more effective—they disrupt the mosquitoes' flight paths and keep air circulating, making it harder for them to land on you. Plus, if you're building out a home bar or outdoor entertaining space, you don't want the constant distraction of zaps interrupting conversations.
Speaking of home bars though, has anyone experimented with screening or netting setups around their patio bar area? I'm curious if it's worth the hassle or if it ends up feeling too enclosed...
"Speaking of home bars though, has anyone experimented with screening or netting setups around their patio bar area?"
Tried it last summer—here's my quick take:
- Definitely cuts down on bugs, especially mosquitoes.
- Can feel a bit closed-in if your space is small or you pick dark-colored screens.
- Go for lighter mesh and keep at least one side openable for airflow.
- Bonus: fewer leaves and debris blowing onto the bar top (historic home owner problems, lol).
Overall, worth it if bugs drive you nuts, but fans alone might be enough if you're not in mosquito central.
Glad to hear it worked out for you. I'm still on the fence about screens—do you think the lighter mesh actually holds up well over time? I've seen some setups sagging after just one season, and I really don't want to redo it every year. But yeah, mosquitoes are brutal here, so maybe it's worth the hassle...
I've used the lighter mesh screens a couple times, and honestly, they do tend to sag if you're not careful with installation. If you get them stretched nice and tight from the start, they're usually good for at least a few seasons. But yeah, if mosquitoes are really bad where you are (same here...), I'd say it's worth the minor headache. I tried going without screens once—never again. Citronella candles and bug sprays just didn't cut it, especially around dusk.
One thing I've noticed is that the lighter mesh can tear more easily if you've got pets or kids running around. My neighbor switched to a slightly heavier mesh last summer, and it seems to hold up better without noticeably blocking airflow or views. Might be worth looking into if durability's your main concern.
