Insects can definitely be an annoyance, but they are something we all must deal with if you wish to spend time outdoors. The news media has tried to teach the public about the hazard connected with mosquito bites and the West Nile Virus. The Centers for Disease Controls identified 981 actual West Nile Virus cases in 2010. Fourty-five deaths stemmed from these viruses. It believed that the total number of of WNV incidents was a lot larger, due to the number of cases that remained unreported. This uncalled-for loss of life could have been averted if the appropriate precautions had been taken.

Care for yourself and your family from the West Nile Virus by taking the following recommendations:

- When outside, make use of bug repellents.
- Eliminate resting water where mosquitoes can deposit eggs.
- Look at dressing in long sleeve shirts and pants during times when mosquito bites are most frequent.
- Provide a bug-free environment by using gazebo mosquito nets.

Mosquito bites can occur at any time outside when mosquitos are active. These bites are more prevalent later in the Spring and over the Summer months. Be aware that mosquitos are much more active from dusk until dawn. These are mostly times when we are outside enjoying the company of family and friends. By attaching some inexpensive gazebo nets to your gazebo frame, you can formulate a safe environment and keep the mosquitoes out.

So what do you need to know to choose and install gazebo mosquito netting?

You can do this very easily. You need to know the lengths of your gazebo's frame to be able to to choose the precise size netting. The most common gazebo sizes are 8'x8', 10'x10', and 12'x12'. There are a variety of universal mosquito nets that are created for these common sizes of gazebo canopies. It does not matter which brand of canopy you have. Armed with the information about your gazebo's dimensions, you can select your gazebo netting with certainty. Universal gazebo mosquito nets might not be a right alternative if you have a uniquely shaped gazebo like the Martha Stewart Melrose hexagon. Look into the availability of mosquito nets that are specifically made for these odd shaped gazebo models.

Steer clear of those harmful mosquito sprays and think about using mosquito netting to circumvent the bites this season. We believe that gazebo mosquito netting is one of the best add-ons for your outdoor gazebo. This economical choice will provide a ton of comfort at a small cost.

	DC America GOS1010-BB 10-Foot by 10-Foot Gazebo Screen, Polyester, Beige with Beige Trim List Price: $61.99 Sale Price: $45.12 Used From: $35.71
	DC America #GOS1010-BB, 10-foot by 10-foot Gazebo Screen, Beige with Beige Trim, Polyester. Continuing its tradition of fine quality products, D.C. America has expanded its furniture line to include a total array of truly elegant lawn and garden accessories...

	OPEN BOX - Garden Winds Universal 10' x 10' Two-Tiered Replacement Gazebo Canopy and Mosquito Netting Set Used From: $69.99
	Garden Winds Product Advice: This is a universal gazebo canopy. This canopy has been designed to provide a general fit, not a custom fit, for most first generation square 10' x 10' gazebos. It is possible that this canopy may not fit your gazebo properly...

	Garden Winds Universal 10' x 10' Two-Tiered Replacement Gazebo Canopy and Mosquito Netting Set Sale Price: $129.99
	Garden Winds Product Advice: This is a universal gazebo canopy. This canopy has been designed to provide a general fit, not a custom fit, for most first generation square 10' x 10' gazebos. It is possible that this canopy may not fit your gazebo properly...

	DC America GOT660-GG, 10-Foot by 10-Foot Gazebo Replacement Top, 2-Tier, Green with Green Trim List Price: $105.99 Sale Price: $85.23
	DC America #GOT660-GG, 10-foot by 10-foot Gazebo Replacement Top, Two Tier, Green with Green Trim, Polyester 180 grams square meter. Continuing its tradition of fine quality products, D.C. America has expanded its furniture line to include a total array of truly elegant lawn and garden accessories...

Before you start spending time on your patio, you should take time to assess the condition of your patio equipment and accessories.  Check your patio furniture for any rust, and consider doing some light sanding and repaint the area with a good coating of Rustoleum.  It is important to handle surface rust before it does too much damage to your patio furniture.

If you have a patio gazebo, you should also inspect it for any rust.  The frames are often made from aluminum, but the welds will  rust and should be given the same level of protection that you give your patio set.  Inspect your gazebo cover for signs of damage.  Wind can causing tearing on the seams.  If the seams have weakened, then the high winds that come with spring storms can turn small tears into large ones, and you will soon be shopping for new gazebo covers.  If you do see any damage, you can attempt to do some spot stitching, but it will be necessary to remove your gazebo canopy to complete this.

If you do decide it is time to purchase a replacement gazebo canopy, then try to get one that was made for your specific model of gazebo.  If you cannot find one made for your gazebo, then you will need to look into purchasing a generic or universal gazebo canopy.  These may not fit as well as one that was made for your specific model of gazebo, but they typically will work just fine.

The first thing you should do before you purchase a replacement canopy, is to check the warranty on your existing gazebo. Some gazebo manufacturers will offer a 5 year warranty on their products. If you still have the manual that came with your gazebo, then I would recommend contacting the company directly to see if you are eligible to receive a replacement canopy under warranty. You may still have to pay for the shipping, but this is the most economical option.

So what if you don't have your manual, don't know who the manufacturer of the gazebo is, or know that your gazebo is no longer under warranty? Well, there are many third-party canopy replacement options available for purchase. I suggest searching for a replacement canopy that is manufactured from a weather-resistant nylon. These are typically visually appealing, durable, and long-lasting, which make them a good option for replacing your old canopy. Many of these replacement options will have velcro straps sewn into the canopy, which allow them to easily be installed onto your existing gazebo. Look for replacement canopies that have reinforced corners and reinforced stitching. These are both signs of quality products that will last.

So how do you know what size canopy to order? You will need to take measurements of your existing gazebo frame. This is usually done best with two people and a tape measure. Most gazebos on the market are usually square or rectangular in shape. So measure the length and width of your gazebo frame. Ensure that the tape measure is pulled tight so that no slack exists. The gazebos are typically found in a few standard sizes:

• 8' x 8'
• 9' x 9'
• 10' x 10'
• 10' x 12'
• 12' x 12'