We re going as first time campers this august. That's Myself the missus and three kiddie winks 11 3 and 2. Bought a second hand Montpelier 9 and the kit to get us through. The tent is massive... Such a long way from my parents frame tent of yesteryear and so easy to put up too. We have obviously set the tent up before going to get used to it and make sure all is intact. everything going well so far. We even got a set of instructions after the first erect. (Via this site ah thank you very much ). However we did notice while we had the tent setup that with the kids in and out of the tent having the doors closed at all times was difficult to say the least. So down to my question. How do i get rid of all the pesky flies that move in as soon as the door is open. We have young children so using a chemical spray isn't really an option and I have heard mixed reports on the electric killers Via ebay / aldi. Would any of the more experienced campers be willing to share their extensive pest control knowledge with me?
Also as I had said we bought a Royal Montpelier 9. Does anyone know if there is any extras for this tent? I'm looking for extras like extra canopy, fitted carpet or footprint ground sheet?
unless you go down the swatting route (which is only a temporary fix as more will always arrive to replace their fallen comrades) there's not a lot you can do unfortunately...it's all part of the camping experience...
we tend to take net food covers with us of assorted sizes so any food or drink left on the table when the flies are in situ can be safely covered up...
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"tereba nessa, kemer wyth"
.~*MOONIE*~.
Snowdonia - Peak District - Brecon Beacons - Lake District
We had a problem with flies/insects/bugs when we were in Holland a while back. Not actually getting into the tent ..we have insect nets on the doors....but they would all congrgate in the porch & stay there!! so we are going to try the old method of sticky fly paper n see how we go.
Don't use a chemical spray in the tent. Not only bad for humans, but I've been told that it breaks down the waterproofing of the tent.
I am very happy with my Aldi electric "tennis bat"! Your 11 year old will become a perfect fly hunter. Only down is that the tent smells of burnt insect... and you will have to collect the bodies from the ground.
------------- Proud owner of a 1987 Sprite Alpine 370 EK, a cheap popup tent and a beloved retro Trio frame tent from the early seventies, called Giraffen.
I'd say get a Tennis bat zapper like ours, but you'll eventually give up. Its one of the pitfalls of camping.
Now the tent. Your tent was the first tent I suffered tent envy for. Its a lovely big tent and I remember sitting in our Sunncamp Calypso a few years back thinking - I want one of those. You might be lucky and find a few accessories for the tent like a carpet, but you'd be lucky to find a canopy or the likes for it - and to be honest you'd then be restricting where you can pitch your tent. Its a big tent and the type that it is can be difficult to find sites with pitches big enough to pitch it as it is at a whisker off of 49 square metres - which rules out standard pitches in the camping club sites, but hey - it truly is a beauty and I'd still give my eye teeth for one.
------------- Always forgive,Never forget;Learn from mistakes,But Never regret;People change,Things go wrong;Just remember life goes on
Cool campers use Delta Pegs.
The happiest people aren't the ones who have everything they are the ones who make the most of everything they have
Hi Everybody, Thanks for all your input. I remember many years ago when my folks had a mobile in Cararoe co Galway. Myself and my cousin slept out in the tent only a two man. but we obviously left one of the doors slightly ajar and we were eaten alive. when we woke it looked like we had the measles. I don't want the kids to be put off by the "ouchy tent". Having said that its good to hear that the chemical option is not good for the tent too so it will rule it out completely. I will probably pick up the bat zapper as its really just to make sure the kiddie winks aren't fly food for the duration. Were going to go to Morris castle which is right on a 20 km blue flag beach. pitches behind the sand dunes for wind shelter. I'm hoping that the flies will be less here than say in a forest park. I also have a hookup got a gewizz on eBay. has rcd protection and have been building up a steady collection of low voltage appliances. kettle, grill and so on. Now all i need to get is some storage for the kitchen. Any suggestions welcome.
at Dezzie, Mmmmmm I'm glad to hear that someone may be envious of my £90 tent . Think I got a good deal. I never thought of the pitch size to be honest. Here In Ireland the cost of a family tent pitch is the same as a camper van / caravan so they better have the room although it includes the hookup. But ill be sure to contact the site in advance
Avon spray on body oil moisturiser, (light blue bottle) is excellent for keeping insects from biting you, good for your skin too! Hope you all have a fab time!