AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
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What have you done to combat mosquitoes in your observatory?
Any specific building approaches to lower the numbers you have to deal with?
And what weapons in your defensive arsenal do you use to keep the little blood suckers at bay?
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Scott K
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 1388
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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Thermacell works great:
http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/
I was pretty skeptical of this, I have to admit. But I tried it, and it really does work quite well.
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Kaizu
sage
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 337
Loc: Finland
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Some times I have used Raid (insecticide). Normally there are no mosquitoes inside the dome, maybe they do not see me there.
I have also noticed that when I have been out with my wife, the mosquitoes like her much more than me. Maybe I should ask her to join me.
Kaizu
--------------------
Some thoughts are so wise that they don't make me laugh
http://www.kaiforssen.fi
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Scott K
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 1388
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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Quote:
Some times I have used Raid (insecticide). Normally there are no mosquitoes inside the dome, maybe they do not see me there.
A yard fogger type of insecticide used around the perimeter of the building will be effective for a while. (We use that on our patio out here, and it's pretty effective.)
Another option is something like this - a distance away from your observatory:
Stinger ultra bug zapper
But honestly the most effective thing I've tried, other than coating myself in DEET is Thermacell. It works just exceedingly well.
Links from the equipment forum:
How 'bout them thar Thermacell bug ejectors? (Apologies to Uncle Rod)
Thermacell Question
Thermacell and observatories
Quick Report on Thermacell
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quantumac
sage
Reged: 12/17/07
Posts: 334
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The one question you want to ask yourself regarding anything which emits a mist of repellent: do I want this stuff on my mirror surfaces or optics?
--------------------
Scope: Meade 10" LX200R
Guide/Planetary Camera: Imaging Source DBK41AF02.AS
DSO Camera: QHY8
Guide Hardware: Celestron OAG, Shoestring Astronomy GPUSB
Software: Mac OS X, Starry Night Pro, Nebulosity, PHD Guiding, PixInsight. No Windows anything.
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L. Regira
sage
Reged: 07/10/05
Posts: 228
Loc: Theriot, LA 29' 25"N; 90.46W
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A friend of mine uses a fan aimed at his body. I use nothing until the mosquitoes find me then Off with deet. I try to spray it on my clothes instead of my skin but I do have to get the head, arms, neck, ankles, lower back, and face. I spray into my palms and pass it over my face and ears. Like Achilles, they will find your weakness. I read about deet and it seems that it has been in use since the 1950's with no reported problems.
Lawrence
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CaveAstrola 12.5"F5(1979)Refigured by Swayze(2002)
Criterion RV-6 Dynascope(1975) (down for repairs thanks to Hurricane Gustav)
Denk Big Easy(7/20/07)Siebert OCA,and Mag Wheel
Sears #6332 Classic Teal blue 60mm F 11.7
8x12 Roll-Off Roof Observatory
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Scott K
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 1388
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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Quote:
The one question you want to ask yourself regarding anything which emits a mist of repellent: do I want this stuff on my mirror surfaces or optics?
The tiny amount of vapor emitted by this device doesn't especially worry me, given the amount of dust, smoke, pollen and other assorted gunk in the air on any given night. I don't keep it especially close to the OTA.
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Scott K
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 1388
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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Quote:
Like Achilles, they will find your weakness. I read about deet and it seems that it has been in use since the 1950's with no reported problems.
DEET is effective. What I don't like about DEET has nothing to do with any health effects it might or might not have. The problem with DEET is two-fold:
1. It's most effective at high concentrations, or with a controlled release formula. (The CR stuff is harder to get.) Unfortunately, especially with high concentrations, this stuff WILL interact (i.e. melt) some plastics. Maybe Thermacell is harder on a mirror than smoking 10 packs of cigarettes per night in your obs, this remains to be seen. However, I am quite certain that DEET will screw up some stuff made of plastic, because it's happened to me. The controlled release stuff is MUCH better about this - you can get it from REI or other camping stores. (3M makes it - it allows you to use much a lower concentration of DEET.)
2. Other people in the dome. I may not be afraid of DEET, but as soon as someone notices "hey, I picked up this plastic thingie, and it kind of melted, this stuff has to be really bad for you!!" then it's all over. It doesn't seem to matter that I point out "well, yes, it was bad for that bit of plastic, but YOU aren't made of plastic, are you?"
It is substantially cheaper to use DEET than a thermacell, unless you just have a massive number of visitors.
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
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I use only the ThermaCell. There is so little vapor, I definitely do not worry about my optics.
This devise really, really works well! This is my second season using it.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
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Quote:
The one question you want to ask yourself regarding anything which emits a mist of repellent: do I want this stuff on my mirror surfaces or optics?
The ThermaCell has been used by many, with no ill effects on optics; some even place it directly under their tripods; I don't think I would, but that's their choice. I set mine on the floor about 4' from the scope.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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LateViewer
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 760
Loc: Westchester NY
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I am going to have to get me a ThermaCell.
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12.5" Discovery String Truss Dob
DSV-1 Alt-Az Mount
WO 66mm Petzval
Orion 127mm Mak with WO 2" Dielectric Diagonal
Celestron CG-5 GoTo
8.8, 14, 18, and 24mm Meade UWA Series 5000 EP
32, 40mm Orion Optiluxe EP
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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 795
Loc: Asbury, NJ
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OK, here is the oddest thing I ever tried. Dryer sheets, yep the ones you use in your laundry. There are numerous reports online that say it is a myth and other sites say they work. So take it for what it is worth. Try a sheet or two one night, tuck them in your waistband and see what happens. My wife and I tried them last fall on a rather mosquito infested night. Not one bite the entire night. Rumor has it the scent of the sheet masks your normal scent and fooling the hungry mosquito. What the heck for a few pennies anything is worth a try.
Clear skies,
--------------------
My Explora Dome construction is here:
www.exploradome.us
Rodney
Meade 10 SCT
AT 8/F4 imaging scope
13 Truss
C8-NGT
Orion 80mm/F11
Canon 300D
Canon XSi
Two AS-GT mounts
Extremely happy Explora Dome home observatory owner
Edited by rodney (06/15/09 05:04 PM)
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Luigi
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 4887
Loc: Massachusetts
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OFF has a new little clip-on fan dispersed unit that uses similar repellent to Thermacell but doesn't need heat to vaporize. It uses 2AA cells to drive the fan. Very quiet and seems as affective as a Thermacell. It uses replaceable elements that include a replacement indicator. I have about 8 hours on one so far and batteries and element are still going strong. YMMV (Your Mosquitoes May Vary ;-)
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Discovery 17.5" f/5. IM 7" f/15 MCT. Eon-120ED
Lunt 60mm Ha on Nexstar mount.
CG5ASGT, Orion Skyview AZ
9 Nag. 35&19,Pans. 24.5 4kSWA. 14&4.7 5kUWA Meades
6, 9, 12.5 UO-AO. 3mm Edge-on. 7mm BO-TMB
Zeiss, Leupold, Bushnell spotters
Zeiss, Leica, Fujinon, Nikon, Pentax, Bushnell binos
One each generic rescue Greyhound
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quantumac
sage
Reged: 12/17/07
Posts: 334
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Quote:
OK, here is the oddest thing I ever tried. Dryer sheets, yep the ones you use in your laundry. There are numerous reports online that say it is a myth and other sites say they work. So take it for what it is worth. Try a sheet or two one night, tuck them in your waistband and see what happens. My wife and I tried them last fall on a rather mosquito infested night. Not one bite the entire night. Rumor has it the scent of the sheet masks your normal scent and fooling the hungry mosquito. What the heck for a few pennies anything is worth a try.
Clear skies,
Here's what snopes says:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/bounce.asp
The way marketing people are, if there were any truth to it whatsoever, they'd be trumpeting it to high heavens. Dual use products are gold mines, ya know.
Reminds me of the SNL skit: "It's a floor wax. No, it's a dessert topping. It's both!"
--------------------
Scope: Meade 10" LX200R
Guide/Planetary Camera: Imaging Source DBK41AF02.AS
DSO Camera: QHY8
Guide Hardware: Celestron OAG, Shoestring Astronomy GPUSB
Software: Mac OS X, Starry Night Pro, Nebulosity, PHD Guiding, PixInsight. No Windows anything.
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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 795
Loc: Asbury, NJ
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As stated in my post there are numerous reports in favor and against these things working. Could you please post the Yahoo answers posts about how they work as oppossed to the snopes.com report, which BTW Snopes.com has been wrong in the past.
Clear skies,
Quote:
Quote:
OK, here is the oddest thing I ever tried. Dryer sheets, yep the ones you use in your laundry. There are numerous reports online that say it is a myth and other sites say they work. So take it for what it is worth. Try a sheet or two one night, tuck them in your waistband and see what happens. My wife and I tried them last fall on a rather mosquito infested night. Not one bite the entire night. Rumor has it the scent of the sheet masks your normal scent and fooling the hungry mosquito. What the heck for a few pennies anything is worth a try.
Clear skies,
Here's what snopes says:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/bounce.asp
The way marketing people are, if there were any truth to it whatsoever, they'd be trumpeting it to high heavens. Dual use products are gold mines, ya know.
Reminds me of the SNL skit: "It's a floor wax. No, it's a dessert topping. It's both!"
--------------------
My Explora Dome construction is here:
www.exploradome.us
Rodney
Meade 10 SCT
AT 8/F4 imaging scope
13 Truss
C8-NGT
Orion 80mm/F11
Canon 300D
Canon XSi
Two AS-GT mounts
Extremely happy Explora Dome home observatory owner
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6523
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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I too have heard about the fabric sheets working but have never tried them myself.
I do use and would recommend the Themocell and have noticed very little, if any, vapor coming from it. I have also used a fan and it works if it is strong enough and I can stay in the breeze. I have also tried an electric mosquito eliminator with very little success, we do use Citronella candles when we have company over and they seem to work if you have enough of them but I would not use them around my optics, too much smoke vapor.
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Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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RobertED
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/11/03
Posts: 1162
Loc: Johnston, RI
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Luigi, how much do those OFF thingy's cost?? I just saw the commercial on TV, it looks interesting! Do they work well?? 
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Bob Myler
sage
Reged: 05/18/06
Posts: 215
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Among ThermaCELL's many pluses is its High Cool Factor: - Look through the "fire box" lens at its miniature furnace - and the tiny, well regulated flame housed within - and its beautifully fitted (Gortex?) holster. Mine lights with only one push of the start button (the instructions call for 3 to 5 rapid clicks). It's a well built machine. And of course it keeps those skeeters away too...
If there is ONE downside to this product, it's ThermaCELL's use of proprietary butane cartridges and repellent mats - sort of like those over-priced replacement ink cartridges for your inkjet or laser printer!
All in all though - its like having you own private "Mosquito Deleto" - without the need for a 20 pound propane tank.
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
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Quote:
Quote:
Like Achilles, they will find your weakness. I read about deet and it seems that it has been in use since the 1950's with no reported problems.
DEET is effective. What I don't like about DEET has nothing to do with any health effects it might or might not have. The problem with DEET is two-fold:
1. It's most effective at high concentrations, or with a controlled release formula. (The CR stuff is harder to get.) Unfortunately, especially with high concentrations, this stuff WILL interact (i.e. melt) some plastics. Maybe Thermacell is harder on a mirror than smoking 10 packs of cigarettes per night in your obs, this remains to be seen. However, I am quite certain that DEET will screw up some stuff made of plastic, because it's happened to me. The controlled release stuff is MUCH better about this - you can get it from REI or other camping stores. (3M makes it - it allows you to use much a lower concentration of DEET.)
2. Other people in the dome. I may not be afraid of DEET, but as soon as someone notices "hey, I picked up this plastic thingie, and it kind of melted, this stuff has to be really bad for you!!" then it's all over. It doesn't seem to matter that I point out "well, yes, it was bad for that bit of plastic, but YOU aren't made of plastic, are you?"
It is substantially cheaper to use DEET than a thermacell, unless you just have a massive number of visitors.
FYI...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DEET#Effects_on_health
It does have problems with health and plastics.
I have had it ruin astro equipment.
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
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Quote:
Quote:
Some times I have used Raid (insecticide). Normally there are no mosquitoes inside the dome, maybe they do not see me there.
A yard fogger type of insecticide used around the perimeter of the building will be effective for a while. (We use that on our patio out here, and it's pretty effective.)
Another option is something like this - a distance away from your observatory:
Stinger ultra bug zapper
But honestly the most effective thing I've tried, other than coating myself in DEET is Thermacell. It works just exceedingly well.
Links from the equipment forum:
How 'bout them thar Thermacell bug ejectors? (Apologies to Uncle Rod)
Thermacell Question
Thermacell and observatories
Quick Report on Thermacell
Bug zappers are not a good way to combat mosquitoes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug_zapper
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
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What features can one build into the observatory to lessen the number of mosquitoes?
Besides a force field of course. ;<)
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Unknownastron
sage
Reged: 04/06/05
Posts: 208
Loc: CatsEye Observatory,Rural Sout...
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Build it in the desert far, far away from any oaisis. Misquitos will die of dehydration before they ever get there. Of course, you might die of dehydration also but with a human's body mass we last longer than the misquitos.
Seriously I used one of the little 'belt thingy' repellant tonight. This was the third time i used it and each time does decrease the number of bites. Time before tonight I put it next to a small fan blowing my direction as i sat and studied Saturn with a schmidt cass. That seemed to work very well. Tonight I was using my big Dob and moving around one place in the observatory to another corner so the fan could not follow me and I received 2 or 3 bites. Still beter than previous when i felt being eaten alive.
Also serious, Early fall last year, when fall rains started early here in OK so it was still warm and wet again we had just flocks of misquitos. It was never confirmed by medical test but my wife (an R.N.) both decided I most likely had west nile virus. Whatever, I became very ill within a week of heavy exposure to misquito bites. Find a method that works and do it. Believe me, you do NOT want to feel like i did last year.
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"My God, it's full of stars!"
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Scott K
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 1388
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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Quote:
Bug zappers are not a good way to combat mosquitoes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug_zapper
No, they really aren't very effective. I have one - it doesn't do much. It makes people think I'm doing something to protect them. But in fact it's pretty dang useless.
By the way, since no one has mentioned it, there is a pretty effective alternative to DEET that doesn't have the bad side-effect of damaging plastics - Picaridin.
Both Off! and Cutter insect repellent have products that use this repellent, although both still offer DEET based products, so you have to look at the labels.
On another note, although this doesn't do anything for mosquitoes, I do have my exterminator (very carefully) spray inside my dome every quarter. This helps minimize all of the other stuff that might decide to visit. (Mainly I want to try to make it inhospitable for the brown recluse and black widow spiders we have out here. I'm not especially afraid of spiders, but we have both out here, and I operate in the dome with no or minimal lighting, so the chance of putting my hand down on one and getting bitten isn't really a risk I care to take. (Well, I suppose I take the risk no matter what - but at least I can feel like I'm fighting back...)
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Luigi
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 4887
Loc: Massachusetts
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>>>OFF thingy's cost?<<<
My wife got one and really likes it for working in the yard and walking the dog. One nice thing is you just switch it on or off as needed. It works very well so far. On Amazon they're $11 for the device and one cartridge. Refills are $5 each.
>>>Bug zappers<<<
May not be very effective but they sure are gratifying.
Another options that works well is treating clothing with Permethrin. It works very well when the clothing covers your skin, but doesn't do much for exposed skin. I found it to work very well when hunting to keep off mosquitoes and ticks. It last through numerous washes. You can buy clothing pretreated with it.
One last thing. Mosquitoes find their prey by following exhaled CO2 to its source, so they come from downwind, the same direction repellents blow, which is why they can be as effective as they are.
--------------------
Discovery 17.5" f/5. IM 7" f/15 MCT. Eon-120ED
Lunt 60mm Ha on Nexstar mount.
CG5ASGT, Orion Skyview AZ
9 Nag. 35&19,Pans. 24.5 4kSWA. 14&4.7 5kUWA Meades
6, 9, 12.5 UO-AO. 3mm Edge-on. 7mm BO-TMB
Zeiss, Leupold, Bushnell spotters
Zeiss, Leica, Fujinon, Nikon, Pentax, Bushnell binos
One each generic rescue Greyhound
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
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Quote:
What features can one build into the observatory to lessen the number of mosquitoes?
Besides a force field of course. ;<)
Since an observatory is open, don't know of anything that can be "built in" to mosquito proof it, same as being on your deck, etc.
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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andyschlei
sage
Reged: 03/05/06
Posts: 366
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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The only completely effective approach is to build away from mosquitoes. This, of course, is not always practical. 
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Observatorio de la Ballona
Mar Vista
Lake Riverside Estates
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EddWen
sage
Reged: 04/26/08
Posts: 360
Loc: Here or There
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Move to SoCal or move to high altitude AZ and build an observatory. This, of course, is not always practical either.
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Edd Weninger
-----------------
**** Lightshield Observatory SoCal ****
Nexstar 11 GPS Questar 3.5
A-P 900 A-P Traveler
**** Blackdog Observatory Arizona ****
A-P 155EDF A-P 1200GTO Coronado SolarMax 90
Orion ED80 Baader Mk V bino-viewer
CGE STV Canon 18x50IS
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
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Has anyone sprayed their observatory instead of themselves with mosquito repellent to see if that results with a protective shield effect?
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
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Quote:
Has anyone sprayed their observatory instead of themselves with mosquito repellent to see if that results with a protective shield effect?
I for one, would never spray my Observatory, even with my equipment covered, I would be concerned. With the Thermacell, I don't have to go any further, for protection; & trust me, mosquitoes love biting me!
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Scott K
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 1388
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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Quote:
Quote:
What features can one build into the observatory to lessen the number of mosquitoes?
Besides a force field of course. ;<)
Since an observatory is open, don't know of anything that can be "built in" to mosquito proof it, same as being on your deck, etc.
The only real solution here is to control your observatory remotely, from a warm room or from inside your home, and either image or observe via video camera. Unless those were your primary goals anyway, though, this is a lot more expensive than any of the other options suggested. 
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revans
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 1501
Loc: Fitchburg, MA
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What about one of the newer mosquito traps that uses CO2 as bait? My cousins works fine... traps them by the hundred and draws them away from people at outside parties. I don't think they cost much...
Rick
--------------------
Rick Evans
http://www.freewebs.com/revans_01420/
"The universe is there for us to see, but it cannot be understood without learning its language -- mathematics." Galileo Galilei
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Luigi
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 4887
Loc: Massachusetts
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>>>What about one of the newer mosquito traps that uses CO2 as bait? <<<
Other than contributing to global warming they should work great. Put them just downwind of yourself. A few arrayed around the perimeter of your obs should work very well.
--------------------
Discovery 17.5" f/5. IM 7" f/15 MCT. Eon-120ED
Lunt 60mm Ha on Nexstar mount.
CG5ASGT, Orion Skyview AZ
9 Nag. 35&19,Pans. 24.5 4kSWA. 14&4.7 5kUWA Meades
6, 9, 12.5 UO-AO. 3mm Edge-on. 7mm BO-TMB
Zeiss, Leupold, Bushnell spotters
Zeiss, Leica, Fujinon, Nikon, Pentax, Bushnell binos
One each generic rescue Greyhound
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Tom Clark
sage
Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 246
Loc: Chiefland, Florida
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Bats! When we started going to Chiefland in 1986 it was quickly noted that every evening just after sundown you always saw bats crusing the skies.
Anyplace in Florida that had no mosquitoes was a miracle, and Chiefland had none most of the year, and only a very few during the hottest, wettest, summer months.
After awhile it was the only place that I would go observing in the summer. When we move there in '98, I hung two bat houses up on a carport. Within a week the bats moved in. Today it is a fun thing to watch the little critters bail out after sundown. There are about 200 in each of the two houses.
You can learn how to build bat houses by ordering "The Bathouse Builders Handbook." We found our copy at a national park somewhere years ago.
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Tom Clark
sage
Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 246
Loc: Chiefland, Florida
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Cute little devils, and they don't bother anything but the bug population!
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andyschlei
sage
Reged: 03/05/06
Posts: 366
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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Quote:
Cute little devils, and they don't bother anything but the bug population!
As long as they stay in the bat houses and outside. They are a nuisance when the decide your eves are bat houses.
--------------------
Observatorio de la Ballona
Mar Vista
Lake Riverside Estates
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
What features can one build into the observatory to lessen the number of mosquitoes?
Besides a force field of course. ;<)
Since an observatory is open, don't know of anything that can be "built in" to mosquito proof it, same as being on your deck, etc.
The only real solution here is to control your observatory remotely, from a warm room or from inside your home, and either image or observe via video camera. Unless those were your primary goals anyway, though, this is a lot more expensive than any of the other options suggested.
Has anyone made a portable observing booth that houses the observer while the scope remains outside in mosquito land? Maybe out of mosquito netting?
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Luigi
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 4887
Loc: Massachusetts
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Here's one you can wear...
http://www.amazon.com/Mosquito-Net-Bug-Suit-Pants/dp/B000E94D1E
--------------------
Discovery 17.5" f/5. IM 7" f/15 MCT. Eon-120ED
Lunt 60mm Ha on Nexstar mount.
CG5ASGT, Orion Skyview AZ
9 Nag. 35&19,Pans. 24.5 4kSWA. 14&4.7 5kUWA Meades
6, 9, 12.5 UO-AO. 3mm Edge-on. 7mm BO-TMB
Zeiss, Leupold, Bushnell spotters
Zeiss, Leica, Fujinon, Nikon, Pentax, Bushnell binos
One each generic rescue Greyhound
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Tom Clark
sage
Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 246
Loc: Chiefland, Florida
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Quote:
As long as they stay in the bat houses and outside. They are a nuisance when the decide your eves are bat houses.
After the first 11 years, we have never had any in the house,eves, carports, workshop, or dome. They prefer the bat houses when they are available.
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Luigi
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 4887
Loc: Massachusetts
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Bats are very cool, but their numbers are dropping sharply due to the recent white nose syndrome. Bad news.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_nose_syndrome
--------------------
Discovery 17.5" f/5. IM 7" f/15 MCT. Eon-120ED
Lunt 60mm Ha on Nexstar mount.
CG5ASGT, Orion Skyview AZ
9 Nag. 35&19,Pans. 24.5 4kSWA. 14&4.7 5kUWA Meades
6, 9, 12.5 UO-AO. 3mm Edge-on. 7mm BO-TMB
Zeiss, Leupold, Bushnell spotters
Zeiss, Leica, Fujinon, Nikon, Pentax, Bushnell binos
One each generic rescue Greyhound
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Ian Robinson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/29/09
Posts: 1112
Loc: Gateshead.NSW Nth Coast,Austra...
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|
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
What features can one build into the observatory to lessen the number of mosquitoes?
Besides a force field of course. ;<)
Since an observatory is open, don't know of anything that can be "built in" to mosquito proof it, same as being on your deck, etc.
The only real solution here is to control your observatory remotely, from a warm room or from inside your home, and either image or observe via video camera. Unless those were your primary goals anyway, though, this is a lot more expensive than any of the other options suggested.
Has anyone made a portable observing booth that houses the observer while the scope remains outside in mosquito land? Maybe out of mosquito netting?
All you need is some mozzie netting like you put over camp bunks in places where there are stacks of mozzies. And a light timber frame to throw it over.
Will keep the mozzies out but not the cool air.
Costs about $8 per lin-metre (the cotton variety).
Edited by Ian Robinson (06/17/09 10:14 AM)
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andyschlei
sage
Reged: 03/05/06
Posts: 366
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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Tom,
Quote:
After the first 11 years, we have never had any in the house,eves, carports, workshop, or dome. They prefer the bat houses when they are available.
Knowing this, I will suggest this to my parents who live in Upper Michigan, and occassionally get bats in the eves and even under loose siding. A good home just might keep them where they belong. 
Thanks,
--Andy
--------------------
Observatorio de la Ballona
Mar Vista
Lake Riverside Estates
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
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A neighbor had no luck with their bat houses, they prefer under the eves, right above huge windows; kind of messy. 
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Bob Myler
sage
Reged: 05/18/06
Posts: 215
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ThermaCELLS never contract rabies...
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andyschlei
sage
Reged: 03/05/06
Posts: 366
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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Quote:
A neighbor had no luck with their bat houses, they prefer under the eves, right above huge windows; kind of messy.
Hmmm. I guess I'll just let sleeping bats hang then...
--------------------
Observatorio de la Ballona
Mar Vista
Lake Riverside Estates
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
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Good idea!
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Mittag55
member
Reged: 10/31/08
Posts: 62
Loc: West Amboy, NY
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I gave up battling them and just live with them...I live next to a place called Happy Vally game management area which is a nice name for a chunk of gods country that looks and acts the same as it did in the 1700,s when bear deer and Indians were the only ones around...I named my little squick of an observatory Mosquito Hill in their honor so to speak. Bug dope breaks me out, i do wear a head net on the rare occasion, but mostly i tuck a cloths dryer sheet in my shirt neck opening and take my chances...LOL
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
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Has anyone draped their observatory with mosquito netting?
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Ian Robinson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/29/09
Posts: 1112
Loc: Gateshead.NSW Nth Coast,Austra...
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Quote:
A neighbor had no luck with their bat houses, they prefer under the eves, right above huge windows; kind of messy.
Hang a few real looking fake snakes under the eves , that might stop the bats from roosting there maybe.
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
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Quote:
Has anyone draped their observatory with mosquito netting?
What kind of views would you get thru the netting? I sure would have fun trying to move around mine, with 3 foot high walls, & netting draped over it.
Speaking for myself, when I can just click to start my ThermaCell, put it on the floor of my Observatory, & not be bothered the rest of the night with mosquitoes, going to other difficult solutions seems unnecessary (to me) 
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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wb9sat
sage
Reged: 06/16/09
Posts: 328
Loc: Eagar, Arizona USA
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Well I use astronomer's perfume. I would sell it to you at a profit, but you could probably buy it cheaper where you live. It's called "Off."
Bill
--------------------
Bill Logan
Logan Observatory
Eagar, Arizona, USSA
Elevation: 7,400 feet (2,600 meters) ASL
NexStar 11 GPS on Milburn wedge
Permanent steel pier
12' x 12' Roll-off-roof
WO ZS-66ED refractor
Meade DSI Pro II monochrome
Meade DSI II OSC
Orion 7nm Narrowband filters
73 de WB9SAT
[url=http://loganobservatory.shutterfly.com[/url]
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
Has anyone draped their observatory with mosquito netting?
What kind of views would you get thru the netting? I sure would have fun trying to move around mine, with 3 foot high walls, & netting draped over it.
Speaking for myself, when I can just click to start my ThermaCell, put it on the floor of my Observatory, & not be bothered the rest of the night with mosquitoes, going to other difficult solutions seems unnecessary (to me)
A view through the netting would not be good...BUT...one could easily drape netting over the majority of the open observatory that one is not viewing through and screen for a majority of mosquitoes.
I have also used fans directed at me and the scope to ward off mosquitoes...and it works.
It keeps one much cooler also.
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
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Quote:
A view through the netting would not be good...BUT...one could easily drape netting over the majority of the open observatory that one is not viewing through and screen for a majority of mosquitoes.
I would then be moving around my Dobservatory on my knees, with my 3 ft. high walls! If I had to go to all this trouble, it wouldn't be worth it.
Again, I don't understand going to such troublesome lengths, when one can use the ThermaCell, or even bug spray on themselves, if desired!
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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JerryK
super member
Reged: 09/25/05
Posts: 149
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I helped design a West Nile management program for a municipality I used to work for. This is what I learned:
Mosquitos have about a 100ft perception range. They breed in water including rain gutters, children's toy's, tires, flower pot water trays, birdbaths, low spots in lawns. Draining sources nearby helps a lot.
Adult female mosquitos can be confused enough not to search for you by the simple technique of moving air which dilutes the CO2, heat signiture, etc eminating from you. Research at Michigan State University shows a simple 5-10mph air movement is sufficient. Two fans set an an angle can nearly form a 'wind barrier' and the breeze doesn't have to contact you if you set it up right, but one fan will work if it is directed on you. In fact they designed a deck with PVC pipes that directed a curtain of air around the edge of the deck. If you're interested, I've got the PDF file of the research paper somewhere I could send you.
Pyrethrum/pyrethrins are botanical pesticides derived from the pyrethrum daisy (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium) and C. cineum).Using it or it's synthetic analog sprayed in a 100ft perimeter works well too. Mosquitoes must rest and when they land on the sprayed lawn and plants, they die!
pyrethrum is usually sold at a a 6% concentrate in garden centers or organic farmers co-ops. Once you see how much it costs, you'll begin to understand why organic produce costs so much.
The synthetic version is caled, Permethrin & is sold under the following brand names:
* Repel Permanone
* Cutter Outdoorsman Deer Guard
* Sawyer Insect Repellent
It's safer than breathing Thermacell chemicals!
If you do want to wear repellent, Ben's water-based DEET skin spray won't harm optical surfaces and plastics, nor will Picaridin to my knowledge. I use the two products around the telescope.
Hope this helps!
Jerry
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wb9sat
sage
Reged: 06/16/09
Posts: 328
Loc: Eagar, Arizona USA
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Wow! Great info there. I like the fan idea. Kind of like an air curtain that is used over the entrances to supermarkets. Thanks for the information. By the way, speaking of mosquitoes, Here's a piece of trivia the next time you're out on a star party. In the Handbook of Astronomical Image Processing by Richard Berry and James Burnell, page 2, "Ultra-high energy gamma-ray photons pack as much punch as a cruising mosquito..."
Bill
--------------------
Bill Logan
Logan Observatory
Eagar, Arizona, USSA
Elevation: 7,400 feet (2,600 meters) ASL
NexStar 11 GPS on Milburn wedge
Permanent steel pier
12' x 12' Roll-off-roof
WO ZS-66ED refractor
Meade DSI Pro II monochrome
Meade DSI II OSC
Orion 7nm Narrowband filters
73 de WB9SAT
[url=http://loganobservatory.shutterfly.com[/url]
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
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Quote:
It's safer than breathing Thermacell chemicals!
Jerry, no offense, & I bow to your expertise; but I don't understand why the Thermacell is considered more toxic to breath in, than slathering oneself with repellents.
I can't even smell the Thermacell, while in my observatory, & one can hardly see any vapor, but for me, it works. I've yet to see any documentation concerning ill effects on people, using it. ( Allethrin, a copy of a naturally occurring insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers.)
Speaking for myself, only; I love it, & will continue to use it. 
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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JerryK
super member
Reged: 09/25/05
Posts: 149
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No offence taken. I believe information helps us all to make better decisions.....
Occasionally when we go up north camping and observing to even more serious mosquito populations we bring along similar gadgets. But I don't suggest making a habit of breathing the stuff in. I personally prefer spaying or applying repellents to the area instead of myself!
Or, much more cheaply, use a fan!
Ok, let's address your issue directly:Your lungs are totally unlike your skin for example.
Your epidermis's outer layer is designed to ablate off which helps rid it of environmental toxins. It's quite thick and resistant to absorption to many water-based ingredients.
Lungs on the other hand are thin tissue DESIGNED for absorption! It's a very easy way to get pesticides into one's body! You might be interested in reading the Material Safety Data Sheet on Allethrin. Here’s an excerpt:
"Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause irritation of the digestive tract. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated.
Inhalation: Harmful if inhaled. May cause respiratory tract irritation. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated.
May cause an allergic response. High exposure may cause dizziness, shaking, irritability, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Allethrin may cause an asthma-like allergy.
Future exposure can cause asthma attacks withshortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and/or chest tightness.
Chronic: May cause liver and kidney damage."
I would personally avoid constant doses of the stuff, particularly breathing it.
Jerry
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Luigi
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 4887
Loc: Massachusetts
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No guarantee that naturally occurring extracts are safe. Try ricin or aflatoxin, or how about extracts from the lovely tobacco plant. As far as health disclaimers, it is impossible to fully investigate toxicological properties because there is no definition for what "fully" means, and what's fully today will not be fully tomorrow. (Or maybe it's just folly?) Anyway, anything you buy will have as many disclaimers as they can think up to help reduce liability exposure from claims which may have absolutely no causal basis. Mosquito extract isn't that safe either so pick your poison.
--------------------
Discovery 17.5" f/5. IM 7" f/15 MCT. Eon-120ED
Lunt 60mm Ha on Nexstar mount.
CG5ASGT, Orion Skyview AZ
9 Nag. 35&19,Pans. 24.5 4kSWA. 14&4.7 5kUWA Meades
6, 9, 12.5 UO-AO. 3mm Edge-on. 7mm BO-TMB
Zeiss, Leupold, Bushnell spotters
Zeiss, Leica, Fujinon, Nikon, Pentax, Bushnell binos
One each generic rescue Greyhound
|
csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
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|
Thanks Jerry, but again, I've used the coils, etc., for years, and am still here The Thermacell is probably the very least of what may do me harm. You should read the warning labels of my prescribed medications! The repellents used on the skin, irritate my breathing much more, as I'm breathing it in close to my face. Plus, call me crazy, but I sure don't feel like taking a shower at 3am or so, to get the goop off my skin, before going to bed.
It comes down to what each individual feels comfortable with, & what works best for them; as I mentioned, there are far greater things around to cause me harm than the Thermacell, which I fully intend to use in the observatory, as well as on my deck.
of course, for everyone; YMMV, .
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Scott K
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 1388
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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I would guess that the risks from any of the repellents in question are VASTLY lower than the risk of mosquito borne infection. Some of the diseases they carry are really, really bad too.
Actually the only real worry I have about thermacells is the tiny little flame, which could be dangerous in certain types of environments. The possibility of accident seems likely higher than the other health risks. (Although I don't think it's very high, the plate on top doesn't get THAT hot. I've had one malfunction, and it simply wouldn't light ever again - which is the correct way to malfunction in this case.) BTW, anyone know what happens if you just forget and leave the thing running all night - I'm always afraid I'll do that.
I do think the holstered version of the device that you are supposed to wear on your belt is insanity, and I'd never do that, because I am quite sure I'd find a way to fall down on it and set myself on fire. (I think the battery operated Off! version of this Luigi mentioned is probably a whole lot safer to wear.)
You will never eliminate all risk - you can only minimize it, and even then you have to be careful to not go overboard.
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Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 3798
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
|
|
Quote:
BTW, anyone know what happens if you just forget and leave the thing running all night - I'm always afraid I'll do that.
.
Yes-it will eventually just run out of propane. 
--------------------
Hubert
---------------------------------
www.smoggybottom.org
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Scott K
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 1388
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
|
|
Quote:
Yes-it will eventually just run out of propane.
Thanks. That's what I thought, but it's nice to know for sure. Mainly I wanted to be sure nothing bad would happen. Wasting butane every once and a while is a mistake I can live with.
|
AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
|
|
Quote:
I helped design a West Nile management program for a municipality I used to work for. This is what I learned:
Mosquitos have about a 100ft perception range. They breed in water including rain gutters, children's toy's, tires, flower pot water trays, birdbaths, low spots in lawns. Draining sources nearby helps a lot.
Adult female mosquitos can be confused enough not to search for you by the simple technique of moving air which dilutes the CO2, heat signiture, etc eminating from you. Research at Michigan State University shows a simple 5-10mph air movement is sufficient. Two fans set an an angle can nearly form a 'wind barrier' and the breeze doesn't have to contact you if you set it up right, but one fan will work if it is directed on you. In fact they designed a deck with PVC pipes that directed a curtain of air around the edge of the deck. If you're interested, I've got the PDF file of the research paper somewhere I could send you.
Pyrethrum/pyrethrins are botanical pesticides derived from the pyrethrum daisy (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium) and C. cineum).Using it or it's synthetic analog sprayed in a 100ft perimeter works well too. Mosquitoes must rest and when they land on the sprayed lawn and plants, they die!
pyrethrum is usually sold at a a 6% concentrate in garden centers or organic farmers co-ops. Once you see how much it costs, you'll begin to understand why organic produce costs so much.
The synthetic version is caled, Permethrin & is sold under the following brand names:
* Repel Permanone
* Cutter Outdoorsman Deer Guard
* Sawyer Insect Repellent
It's safer than breathing Thermacell chemicals!
If you do want to wear repellent, Ben's water-based DEET skin spray won't harm optical surfaces and plastics, nor will Picaridin to my knowledge. I use the two products around the telescope.
Hope this helps!
Jerry
Yes...I would be interested in seeing that paper.
Thanks
|
KD5NRH
member
Reged: 06/21/09
Posts: 48
Loc: Stephenville TX
|
|
Quote:
how about extracts from the lovely tobacco plant.
Why bother with extracts? I used a good cigar to clear out dozens of mosquitoes infesting the car a couple of nights ago after an observing session. If I could find a good way to light them without bright light I'd be all set.
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christurner
super member
Reged: 06/24/08
Posts: 171
Loc: Nova Scotia, Canada
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|
Why not drape netting with draw strings, much like a window blind configurationthat opens with the roof and a hole for the OTA to poke through that has an elastics material surrounding the hole. With enough slack it should slew with the scope quite easily. Have I done this ? God no! Will I try it when mu Obs. is finished, absolutely!
--------------------
Chris and Family
Nova Scotia, Canada
Dark Sky Country
www.spatialenergistics.com
Platforms:
Meade LX200 ACF 12"
newstar 5.1" reflector
26mm plossl meade
13mm Ethos
Kendrick Digi10 Dew System
A wife that understands!
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Mittag56
journeyman
Reged: 07/08/09
Posts: 5
Loc: West Amboy, N.Y.
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|
The wife just handed me a new OFF personal bug repeller..it has a small off chemical gizmo and a fan...12 hours of hopefull bug repelling...we will see, if the weather here in the North East ever gives me a chance..
--------------------
Home Brew 10 inch F5 Dob
LXD75 Dual mount
Antares 105mm
ETX-90 as guide scope
Smallest Observatory in the State
Not enough room for it all!
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
|
|
Welcome to Cloudy Nights! Glad you chose our forums, great members here!
Let us know how your repellent works!
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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John Fitzgerald
In Focus
Reged: 01/04/04
Posts: 1833
Loc: AR
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|
I do not know what the factors are, but others observing near me can get covered up in mosquitoes, gnats, chiggers, whatever, and I am hardly touched. I never really thought about it much. Any MDs lurking?
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
|
|
Quote:
Why not drape netting with draw strings, much like a window blind configurationthat opens with the roof and a hole for the OTA to poke through that has an elastics material surrounding the hole. With enough slack it should slew with the scope quite easily. Have I done this ? God no! Will I try it when mu Obs. is finished, absolutely!
Yes...that was exactly the idea I had.
I really do not see why it would not work.
|
revans
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 1501
Loc: Fitchburg, MA
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|
You can overthink this... lately I just use a few small dabs of Deep Woods OFF... I see a few mosquitos around but nothing ever lands on me...
Rick
--------------------
Rick Evans
http://www.freewebs.com/revans_01420/
"The universe is there for us to see, but it cannot be understood without learning its language -- mathematics." Galileo Galilei
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
Why not drape netting with draw strings, much like a window blind configurationthat opens with the roof and a hole for the OTA to poke through that has an elastics material surrounding the hole. With enough slack it should slew with the scope quite easily. Have I done this ? God no! Will I try it when mu Obs. is finished, absolutely!
Yes...that was exactly the idea I had.
I really do not see why it would not work.
It would be impossible for me, with my low walls. I'm all over my Dobservatory, reading charts in one corner, getting eyepieces out of my case in another corner, etc. I'm too old to crawl around all night on my knees 
Going to all this trouble would defeat the purpose of my Dobservatory, of simply walking in, removing the turn buckles, hitting a button & start observing; especially when a simple little device such as the ThermaCell does the job. I'm lazy, even bought a second ThermaCell to use while sitting on the deck, so I wouldn't have to walk a few feet down & get the other one!
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
|
roscoe
super member
Reged: 02/04/09
Posts: 192
Loc: Northwestern Mass
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|
Minimizing the target area is my method. I have a hooded sweatshirt that I wear a lot, I just pull the hood up to keep 'em off my neck. I prefer not to use repellants, for fear that I'll pick up some greasy residue on my fingers and guck up an EP or something.
--------------------
Antares/Vixen 812 120mm f/8 on reworked CG-5,
Celestron/Vixen C-80 80mm f/11 on Polaris,
Sears/Towa 60mm f/15 on reworked Towa,
assorted Ultrascopics and Orthos
homemade tripods, chairs, EP cases, observatory
|
John Fitzgerald
In Focus
Reged: 01/04/04
Posts: 1833
Loc: AR
|
|
I have read about how the thermacell works. It gives off a small amount of smoke. I would be hesitant to use it in my observatory, but would not advise others either way. I think it might have the same effect as any volitale liguid that "out-gasses", but likely would not be a huge factor. Any that got onto a mirror over several observing sessions could likely be removed with ethanol, collodion, or acetone.
|
csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39591
Loc: montana
|
|
Many of us have used the ThermaCell in our observatories for over a year now, with no ill effects on the optics on our equipment. It doesn't emit "smoke", rather a small amount of vapor.
Everyone should use whatever mosquito protection they feel comfortable with, so they can enjoy the beautiful night skies. For me, it's the ThermaCell. 
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
|
Carl M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/21/07
Posts: 907
Loc: Vermont, USA
|
|
I concur with Carol. Here in Vermont, they are huge and abundant. I hear in fact, it was in strong running to be our State bird.... I use a Thermacell not only for observing, but most evening events. They work wonderfully!
--------------------
Carl
JStar 12" Truss Dob w/Swayze Mirror
StellarVue SV50 "Little Rascal"
SV102ED
SV80ED(NHNG )
SV70ED
LS60THa/B1200
AT66 (Chrome)
G-11 Gemini, GM-8
AT, WO, and TV eyepieces
Lake Runnemede Observatory
|
Mark N
member
Reged: 01/03/06
Posts: 84
|
|
I've used the Thermacell several times. Outdoors, and in friends' observatories. The question was always asked about the vapors harming mirrors. It's effective for about a 15' radius-or was it diameter? Think about how small the amount must be in each "pad" of repellent, and how long it takes to be used up. The amount given off in any time period cannot be very great. In any case, just put it a few feet away from your scope. Whatever may be harmful would be quite diluted before reaching your optics, but still effective in the average observatory-only 10-12' in diameter.
|
AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 701
|
|
FYI...
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/31/health/webmd/main5202020.shtml
|
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