How to Stop Bugs From Getting Through Window Screens
Introduction
Your home window screens serve a dual purpose; they allow you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without having bugs flying in your face and, at the same time, keep them out of your home. These two goals are, however, seemingly incompatible. No matter how well-made or delicate the mesh is, there will always be tiny gaps where even the smallest insects can slip through them.
These holes are indeed small enough that most giant arthropods like spiders, cockroaches, beetles, moths, and some mosquitoes won’t be able to get through them. This is because their bodies have too many joints, which close up spaces between their exoskeleton (or hard outer shell) and internal organs, which would otherwise let them squeeze through openings that are smaller than one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter.
I will discuss stopping bugs from getting through window screens in this article. So let us get started.
Why Bugs Enter Through Window Screens?
Window screens can be a Bug’s best friend. If the mesh size is too large or too small, Insects and spiders can easily enter your home. Another reason pests can enter through your window screens is because of the holes and cracks on them. Keep your home bug-free by ensuring your window screens are tip-top!
The third cause for pest’s entry into your home through windows with screens on them includes damaged screens that allow these insects easy access and damage caused by wind storms, hail, and other types of weather-related destruction.
Sometimes there may be water-related damage associated with allowing insects inside your house via window screening due to faulty rain gutters or downspouts that lead to water in your home.
There are several screening sizes used for windows and doors. The small mesh sizes on older style screens range from 20-30 holes/inch, while newer house window screens are made of much smaller, tighter mesh such as 16-20 holes per inch. For doorways, a typical screen might have 35-50 holes/inch, with some being smaller.
These different-sized meshes come in various patterns according to quality standards defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other governing agencies worldwide. Screens that meet USDA grade A regulations are considered “tight” enough to keep out pests.
Another problem can be the type of screen that you have on your windows. Aluminum screens are often used where it is not a big issue, but a bird-related one as birds usually try to get in through window frames. It is important to use aluminum only if you need to stop birds; otherwise, use aluminized polyester, which is much more durable and will not bend or break easily from wind storms and other types of storm damage that might cause a rip on the mesh.
Step-wise Guide on How to Stop Bugs From Getting Through Window Screens
- The first thing you need to do is make sure your window screens have no holes in them.
- If they do, repair said holes with duct tape or whatever similar adhesive tape you deem appropriate…
- If for some reason it is not possible to repair the damaged screens and/or there just are too many holes in the existing ones, then you will have to buy new ones that will fit properly, giving 100% protection against bugs and other pests of this sort…
- Suppose you live in an area where water is a common daily (for example, Florida). In that case, I recommend using clear plastic zip ties and securely fastening the frames tightly together so that water cannot enter through cracks. In the frame…
- Next, you should use a special kind of caulk (if there is no such thing as “special caulk,” then I advise trying to find some at your local hardware store and if it can’t be found in stores, then search online) to try and seal any gaps or openings so that bugs will not be able to enter the…
- Finally, do everything in your power to ensure that there are no possible areas for insects or other pests to inhabit, like trimming back bushes/trees from around the exterior of your home and removing trash cans with wide-open lids from within ten feet of the structure’s perimeter…just don’t let any garbage sit out overnight because this could very likely cause a swarm of bugs to come in through your window.
Additional Notes
- No matter how small the holes may seem, they are still somehow allowing these insects and other pests to enter your home… you must take this issue seriously to get rid of them once and for all before any real damage can be done…
- One reason most people don’t do their best to get out window screens with cracks or holes is that it can be a challenging task…however, I have found a fairly simple way to repair damaged frames quite easily without even needing someone else’s help, like when buying new ones…here is what you need to do if some or all of your window screens are full of holes:
- If you would like to repair your windows so they are as good as new, here is how you should go about doing it…all you need for this task are a few tools and some supplies. Then, you’ll be ready to get started on the project…the first thing that you will want to do is measure the amount of damage done to your windows screens by taking an actual measurement from the edge where there isn’t any hole or tear all the way up across until it reaches another part that may be in better condition…to do this effectively, I advise that you use a piece of chalk and make a mark at every few inches until you have reached both ends (if necessary)…this will allow you to know how much is supposed to be cut out more easily.
- Essentially, the best way for you to mend your window screens is by cutting them with a sharp pair of scissors or just about any sharp blades…the first step in doing this involves measuring until you have reached where the tear is and then cutting straight across then, you should do it again but from the other side to ensure that the windows will fit well together when they are eventually put back into place…you may also want to scrutinize both sides of the screen for any other tears to make sure that everything fits perfectly (this simple trick helps save time and keeps you from having to buy new ones).
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped provide all the required information on how to stop bugs from getting through window screens. Thank you, and have a nice day!
You may also read – How to Install a Security Screen Door on Stucco.
