Should you invest in a fly screen? Pros say yes – here’s why
If you’ve been eaten alive by mosquitoes this summer, a fly screen may be the clever solution worth investing in, especially as experts are saying hotter summers are on the cards.
We all want to get rid of mosquitoes and keep them out of our homes, but due to the weather, I’ll bet you’ve been leaving your windows open overnight, allowing these pests an entryway into your home.
A fly screen acts as a physical barrier to these pests, whilst allowing fresh, cool air into your home. You’ve probably spotted these abroad in warmer climates like Spain, and experts say they are becoming more popular in the UK.
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Should you invest in a fly screen?
‘As someone who deals with fly and mosquito infestations professionally, my honest answer is yes, and they are one of the most cost-effective preventative measures available. Most indoor fly problems I attend could have been significantly reduced by basic window screening. The issue is rarely that flies are impossible to stop. It is that homes have no physical barrier at all,’ answers Mosh Latifi, co-owner, EcoCare Pest Management.
(Image credit: Getty Images/ Cyndi Monaghan)
And due to the warm weather, insect screen manufacturer Appeal Shading is already seeing an increase in demand for fly screens.
‘Warmer temperatures generally create more favourable conditions for many flying insects, so it’s reasonable to expect that homeowners may notice more flies, mosquitoes and other insects during longer, hotter summers. While insect activity will always depend on local weather and environmental conditions, we’re seeing more people looking for practical ways to enjoy natural ventilation without inviting insects indoors. A fitted insect screen allows you to keep windows and doors open for fresh air while helping to keep unwanted pests outside,’ said Tina Loveland, senior designer at Appeal Shading
With plenty of different fly screens on offer, there is one for every budget. From a bespoke fitted screen to this Amazon magnetic fly screen (£26.99), and even string door curtains (£8.99, Amazon), it’s easy to find affordable solutions for your home. You can also DIY a fly screen using fly mesh (£8.95, Amazon), and it might be wise to use scents mosquitoes hate around your home to deter them.
(Image credit: Getty Images/ Olga Ionina)
‘The best solution for bedroom windows is one that’s easy to live with. A bespoke retractable insect screen lets you keep the room cool with natural ventilation overnight, while helping to prevent flying insects from getting inside. Because the screen is tailor-made and colour matched to your window frames, it blends into the home and doesn’t detract from the look of the room,’ says Tina.
Mosh says it’s important to invest in a well-rated, quality screen. After all, there’s not much point if it doesn’t work to keep mosquitoes out.
‘For bedrooms, a fitted frame screen with a finer mesh is worth the investment. A bedroom window is often open all night, which is exactly when mosquitoes are most active. A poorly fitted or low-quality screen with gaps at the edges is almost as bad as no screen at all. Magnetic or tension-fit screens that sit flush with the frame and leave no gaps are the best removable option for bedrooms if a fitted screen is not practical,’ he says.
Fly Screen Roller Blind 130 X 160 Cm – White
NeatiEase Adjustable Diy Magnetic Fly Screen Window Max 90x 140 Cm
SISI UK Grey Insect Mesh 1.5m Wide Cut-to-Size Window Screen
If mosquitoes are plaguing your home a fly screen really can make a big difference. We say yes, it’s worth the investment.
