Looking for advice on applying noseeum mosquito netting.

East · May 5, 2015

I've ordered some noseeum mosquito netting from Amazon and it should be here soon. My conversion van has sliding windows that open to screens in 3 windows. Is there a sound way to apply the netting to the screens? I have ideas, don't really want to rescreen completely but I also don't want it to look horrible. The idea is to have the screened windows open at night while keeping a lower visibility to the inside of the van from casual passers and of course preventing insects from eating me alive this summer.

Almost There · May 6, 2015

I take it that the screen hole size is too big and you want to add noseeum so that the little bugs can't gain entrance!

Whether there are screens in place or not I'd add panels of noseeum that have been trimmed out with bias tape or webbing with either Velcro or magnet strip.

Personally I prefer magnet strips because it means you don't have to put Velcro strips all over the edges of the windows. But then I just spent hours removing decade old Velcro adhesive from my van that the PO had in place for his ill conceived draperies.

If you don't sew or have access to anyone who does then I suppose you could try just folding over the edges of the noseeum and using hem tape. Not sure how long they would hold their shape with regular remove and install use.

The important thing no matter which way you choose to go, is to make sure that you've got a snug fit all the way around the window, because those little @#$% will get in the smallest of holes.

Suanne · May 6, 2015

I put noseeum netting around my back windows 5 years ago. I used Velcro that I adhered with Gorilla Glue. After 3 years the glue started failing. I then tacked it up with Gorilla Tape (heavy duty black duct tape). That held just as good as the Gorilla Glue. So, I recently put Gorilla Tape all around, sealing all gaps as we are entering noseeum season where I'm camping. I don't expect the tape to last forever, but the gooey remnants from the tape will sure clean up better and easier than the crust left by the glue. Strips of magnets would be easier if you have metal to attach them to in order to seal all of the way around your windows.

I'm wondering if it might be better to just replace the current screens with the noseeum screens. It would look cleaner, and you'd get better air flow than if you have your place double screened.

Suanne ... who thinks noseeums must be evil

LoupGarou · May 6, 2015

Noseeum netting isn't needed at all camping locations. So make its installation non permanent. Noseeum netting will cut down on airflow.

East · May 6, 2015

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have velcro and gorilla glue on hand, but I'm leaning towards a magnetic installation to keep it easily removable so thanks for that suggestion. IDK why I didn't think of that. I have a set of skeeter beaters for the front two windows and really like how easy installation and removal is with the magnets. As the windows have a metal lining l I think magnets would work well enough. Just need to pick up magnets now. I can't sew so maybe I'll just try to apply glue to the magnet strips and get the fabric on there. The idea was to completely cover the entire screen area with noseeum (or as much as possible). Only one screen has a hole that I need to patch, it's pretty small. My side doors (swing out, not a slider) have windows on those crack open with a hinge mechanism but I'm still brainstorming ways to do those semi-permantly with screening while still having access to the hinge.

Almost There · May 6, 2015

East said:
Thanks for all the suggestions. I have velcro and gorilla glue on hand, but I'm leaning towards a magnetic installation to keep it easily removable so thanks for that suggestion. IDK why I didn't think of that. I have a set of skeeter beaters for the front two windows and really like how easy installation and removal is with the magnets. As the windows have a metal lining l I think magnets would work well enough. Just need to pick up magnets now. I can't sew so maybe I'll just try to apply glue to the magnet strips and get the fabric on there. The idea was to completely cover the entire screen area with noseeum (or as much as possible). Only one screen has a hole that I need to patch, it's pretty small. My side doors (swing out, not a slider) have windows on those crack open with a hinge mechanism but I'm still brainstorming ways to do those semi-permantly with screening while still having access to the hinge.

My parents van had the bottom opening side windows with a set of screens. 30 years ago they were available commercially but I doubt if we could find them now.

They attached to the door with snap fasteners but magnets would work equally well or better.

It would require sewing but the way they were made they had vinyl trim around the edges (that's where the snaps were attached) and at the bottom there was a section about 4" h x 6"w that had two small zippers, one on each side, centered over the window latch. You unzipped them to open or close the window and then zipped them up for bug protection.

You might be able to do the same with a bit of self adhesive Velcro to form the opening.

Another one of those times where I wish I could draw pics...sigh!