Repair window screens to keep out bugs.
Do you find yourself itching at random times? Or, much to your horror, you see a little critter crawling up your clothes. Well, most likely it came in from the great outdoors. Hardly anyone wants bugs within the house, may they be creepy crawlies like ants or buzzing creatures like mosquitoes. But homes are a treasure trove for bugs, as they find many resources to munch on and nest in.
It’s often tough to keep them out of the warmth of your home. However, there are some measures you can take to prevent them from getting inside. The main way to do this is to seal your home windows and repair your window screen. Windows that aren’t properly sealed can give free access to pests.
Make sure that bugs are only outside where they are meant to be by taking the following steps for your windows:
Spray your screens with repellent
In case there aren’t too many problems with your window screen, one of the best ways to fortify your home is to spray your surroundings with repellent. Regular insect repellant should take care of small bugs on the screen and might also make them shy away from gaps in your windows or any form of opening. It could also help reduce the overall number of bugs at large.
Seal cracks with caulk
In case the windows are pushed slightly away from the casing or walls of your home, it could create small gaps that are more than enough for insects to find their way in. Use caulk to seal these gaps and then you could also apply a seal again, evenly, across the window border.
Repair window screens
Another area to look out for is window screen repairs. In case there are holes, you could use tried and tested techniques to fix this which we will take a look at later in this article.
Replace your windows
In situations where you feel like your window is beyond repair or that you tried everything but bugs still come in, it might indicate that you need new windows. Not only are a newer variety of windows better equipped to take bugs out, but they can also keep more energy within the house and improve efficiency. However, this is the most costly option and before going this route it might make sense to consult a handyman first.
How to repair window screens to keep out bugs
This whole process shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. Mesh coverings or window screens are super important to keeping biting insects out. However, because they are regularly opened, they could break or wither. This is risky as it offers an open gateway for insects to come inside your home. A patched window screen also blocks out harsh sunlight and keeps your home cooler, especially during warm winter afternoons. Here’s how you can patch them.
Check the damage
The first step is checking for any type of damage. Open the window and scan every inch for any problems. Measure any areas that are broken or frayed with a measuring tape and then write them down on your phone or anywhere they will be saved to come back and check it later.
Trim away any strays
If any lone stray threads are present around the frays or breaks, you should cut them to make your patching job easier. Try using a pair of tin snips or a wire cutter to get the strays out. Cut them out as close to the screen as possible.
Make a uniform hole
In case the patch is in a disfigured shape, cut out the hole in an evenly round shape, even if this means making the patch bigger. When you’re cutting the excess threads around the break, try to do it in such a way that you get the round shape.
Cut your patch
Now it’s time to cut the patch and place the right size on the screen material. Make sure to have extra inches added in each direction to make sure that the entire patch is covered. Snip the extra strands away and also make sure that it isn’t too small.
Match it to your current screen pattern
Patch your screen cutout according to the current pattern of your existing screen. To do this, simply pull a few strands out on the hole’s perimeter and bend them to a right angle at its sides.
Place the patch
After all the steps listed above, it’s time to place the patch over the hole and to make sure that the position is adjusted in a way that matches your screen perfectly well. If there are stray wires of the patch, cut them or thread them through by folding them on the screen’s other side. Pair these threads in twos and tie them together in tight knots.
Use glue
Once the patch is in place and tied down, it should hold, however, if you feel like it might not or if you want it to last longer, then add some silicone glue around the edges. Make sure that the glue dries completely before going for the next hole.
If you want to replace the full fly screen mesh then it’s best to give the professionals a call as they would have the correct tools to do so without damaging the frame.
Did this help you repair window screens to keep out bugs?
We hope this guide was helpful! Now you can try fixing screens on your own to try to keep bugs out. You could also use the methods listed before such as spraying insect repellent or replacing your window entirely.
If you feel like you’re not entirely up to the physical task, why not hire a handyman instead? They can take care of small fixes in your home and can also check the condition of your other screens to see if they are in good shape or if they might wither soon. To this end, expert companies such as Octopus provide professional services to keep your window screen in good shape and to also keep any bugs away.
Our maintenance experts also check other facets of your home such as plumbing, AC condition, electrical issues, and painting. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on 800 3993.
