Best window screens according to redditors

I used to do maintenance at a couple medium sized hotels, get a big bag of DE (diatomaceous earth) and a squirt bottle thing (usually comes in a kit with the DE if you're getting a bed bug kit) and spray it EVERYWHERE in every nook and cranny (bed, couch, cushions, corners of floors/carpet/walls), also spray in your car, everywhere, make the cops who pull you over think you're a coke dealer with parkinsons.

Run all of your clothes and couch cushion covers ect in HOT water. And dry on HIGH heat. Bed bugs don't deal well with heat, granted your clothes may shrink...

I've spoken to many pest control people (guests will bring them in) we take a nuke everything/salted earth approach to confirmed reports of bedbugs. They will usually hide near wherever they are going to feed. So bed, couch, etc, anywhere you might be sitting for a long period of time.

They normally don't move from wherever they set up their home (a particular corner of the bed frame etc) until they get crowded out.
Depending on which side your neighbor is, line the common wall with DE as a precaution, also if you do share a common wall with her unit, get those outlet/switch cover gaskets and install them under the coverplates. (I woulnd't spray DE into the outlet boxes, DE itself isn't conductive, but it will pull moisture out of the air, and become conductive overtime).

There could be poorly insulated power sockets and light switches that are allowing air to move through the walls. These are little insulated pads that you put behind your light switch plates/sockets and it may help, at the very least you'll have fewer spots for drafts.

http://www.amazon.com/Duck-283333-Sealers-Variety-Decorative/dp/B0040JH21W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419703715&sr=8-1&keywords=light+switch+insulation

That is just one brand but it gets the idea across. Your local hardware store will have more options.

This is just from an old renovator. Please take it for what it's worth.....

I have nothing but the highest respect for the eggheads at UMASS Amherst, but real world installations will almost certainly fall below the targeted goals.

I have opened up more walls with blown-in insulation than I can count, and in every single instance there was a void at the top due to settling. Some of the voids were between a foot and two feet wide. Now maybe the 4.5 pound per cubic foot density will alleviate that, but I personally doubt it. None of the installers that I've ever met weigh the product as it gets blown into a cavity. And they don't use a flexible rod to mechanically pack the product down. They get paid by the job, not the hour. They blow and go.

The lofty goals of increased air sealing, zero settling, and better sound control is nice, but in reality will not be easily done, nor will it be measurable. All it takes for a poor air seal is for an interior outlet to not have an envelop around it, especially if it is opposite an exterior outlet. There are special electrical boxes to address this issue, but you don't have any:

http://www.alliedmoulded.com/go/energy

you can seal them with spray foam:

http://www.coupons4lv.com/uploads/1/6/6/4/1664982/9637161_orig.jpg

you can use foam gaskets:

https://www.amazon.com/Duck-283333-Sealers-Variety-Decorative/dp/B0040JH21W

You should also caulk along the seams of the sheetrock where it meets the other walls, the floor, and the ceiling. The floor joints are the worst culprit. I've had some that were so bad the wind whistling through would blow out a candle.

To get to zero settling, I see no way to accomplish that without mechanical compaction. Areas that often get less densely packed are the parts of the void below the electrical wiring. A dam can be created between the sheetrock and 12/2, giving the impression that the void is filled. Yet it is mostly air under the wiring. Sometimes you need to force it past the electrical cable with something rigid, like a thin fiberglass pole.

And there are WAY better options for sound control than blown-in. Try a few experiments with your fake wall with no insulation, loose fill, and dense packed. There will not be a great difference.

In short, doing the best you can is your goal. The lofty goals of the UMASS experts are nice, but not likely achievable in the real world.

Ok here's the plan.

hasmat suit 7.50


Mesh tape 3.99

rubber gloves 5.99

Weapon 1.99

Total: 19.47

Suit up, mesh tape gap in gloves and over face hole. Swat at ants like my life depends on it. It's going to be a tough fight with such a constrained budget but it's the best plan I can come up with under budget. I splurged on better gloves since the low weapon budget left me with a rather short melee weapon.

A slightly higher budget would have allowed me to suit up and spread Diatomaceous earth $12.97 (replace the gloves with cheaper ones and skip the swatter) instead of resorting to melee attacks. 30 bucks would greatly increase my chances as survival as i could spread it around and just avoid the ants as best i could.

If survival isn't a win condition then

undiluted Bifen i/t $16.02

spray bottle $2.24

total: $18.26

This shit is serious stuff. Cover all the floor surfaces as wide i can. No ants will survive the room for the next few years.

These Window screens I got them for my allergies and jesus they help.

Have you added insulation to the outlets and light switches? These little gaskets are cheap and they reduced our power bill by about 10%. Paid for itself the first month. https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Sealers-Variety-Decorative-283333/dp/B0040JH21W/

If they're a problem I'd recommend some fly screens such as these. They're pretty cheap and work well, however they aren't really any good if your windows open inwards.

Socket sealers (in addition to child safety plugs) work really well on any outlets that happen to be on exterior walls.

https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Sealers-Variety-Decorative-283333/dp/B0040JH21W

You can buy window screen that might help.

https://www.amazon.com/PollenTec-Clean-Air-Window-Screen/dp/B00LNBP4WE

I used this last year with a projector to make ghosts in the front yard.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012Y1V8EY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_wPQHzbHA3EHYC

You're kidding, right? You never heard of the slide-out screens that every New Yorker puts in their windows? Are you new here? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLOM9I4/ref=asc_df_B00CLOM9I45082627/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00CLOM9I4&linkCode=df0&hvadid=194883046452&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6196466873419820507&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004252&hvtargid=pla-309932148446

Oh man, that sounds so stressful and irritating. I'm so sorry. :( I'm glad the cats and the dog are okay, though. If any of them had been lost and/or injured, it could have been really bad.

FWIW they make adjustable window screens, and I think it's possible to DIY a window screen without too much effort. It may not be perfect, but it could work. Amazon has something like this, for example. Not sure if it would work for you, but it lets you know that there are options out there.

As many have said, you need to find out here the drafts are coming form, walking around the house with incense is a great idea as someone else posted.

I know you said you have all new windows, but check around the window sills. Its very possible the window itself is fine, but it wasn't sealed properly when installed.

Check all of your electrical outlets and power switches. something like these Outlet Sealers would probably help. they are cheap and easy to install. I installed them in my house and noticed a difference in how draft it felt.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wood-Frame-Adjustable-Window-Screen-10-x-37/20434385

http://www.homedepot.com/p/W-B-Marvin-21-37-in-W-x-15-in-H-Wood-Frame-Adjustable-Window-Screen-AWS1537/202088350

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Window-Screen-Silver-Frame/dp/B00395J2IE

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/adjustable-screens/210013

Like these.

https://www.amazon.com/Fenestrelle-Expandable-Adjustable-Horizontal-Vertical/dp/B0776ZP83Q/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=window+screens&qid=1557492347&s=gateway&sr=8-4

We used em when we were apartment people in NYC since those windows never had screens.

This removable screen did the trick for me. You can leave a cat-sized gap to one side and use clear plastic as a flap. I found a thick, clear, flexible plastic at a home store for a couple of dollars. I sliced that into strips and hung them from the top of a frame made from a thin wood strip (you could use a yardstick for that). The edges of the screen are wood, so tacking my extra frame to the side was easy. The strips hang like the flaps at a car wash, slightly overlapping.

I'm sure there are other ways to make one of these work, depending on the size of the screen you order and the width of your window.

*The plastic I found was a clear sink liner, so it has enough weight and cling to usually fall back flush without leaving large gaps. I think something more lightweight would move too much in a breeze. I also have a super-small, but powerful metal-bladed fan clipped to the window frame to blow away mosquitoes and gnats if they approach the window. It does a remarkably good job of keeping them out.

They make cat resistant screen material now.

https://www.amazon.com/Screen-Replacement-Window-Pet-resistant-Prevent/dp/B07CRCP6J5/

Just replace the screens and open the windows!

These are a godsend

​

amazon.ca

I'm not really sure how they're useless if you are complaining about bugs right now. There's a use for them occasionally, and they're just a thin mesh screen, they can't be that expensive, even in Europe.

Some of the windows in my US home don't have screens, but I got some adjustable screens you just pop into the open window space, voila! Problem solved. Something like this although with more visibility.

I ordered this screen on Amazon. I’m sure you could find something at a hardware store. The ones I got are pretty sturdy, they don’t really bend and would be hard to cut. If you wanted to use zip ties you might look for something a little thinner.

For heat I use a 100w ceramic heat emitter in this dome lamp. CHEs work best with dimming or pulse proportional thermostats like Herpstats which are expensive. I was able to find an Exoterra version that was less expensive, but still more than an on/off thermostat.

Oh, and if you use tape anywhere for the screen, make sure it’s on the outside only. No adhesive inside. :)

https://www.amazon.com/Fenestrelle-Expandable-Adjustable-Horizontal-Vertical/dp/B0776ZP83Q/ref=asc_df_B0776ZP83Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=231273170391&hvpos=1o7&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14309635301972137562&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1024479&hvtargid=pla-385409839419&psc=1

Get some expandable window screens the right size for your windows...they’re a lot more effective.

https://www.amazon.com/Fiberglass-Covering-Adhesive-Prevent-Mosquitoes/dp/B0798N7ZG5/ref=sr_1_7

The whole kit is $19. What's your budget?

https://www.amazon.com/Senneny-Adjustable-Retainer-Fiberglass-Mosquito/dp/B07D2WD7VJ/ref=sr_1_13?crid=1YL1CQY9K6K9A&keywords=window+screen+fine+mesh&qid=1568251445&sprefix=Window+screen+fine%2Caps%2C220&sr=8-13

https://www.amazon.com/Senneny-Adjustable-Screens-Fiberglass-Mosquito/dp/B07D2YNK7W/ref=zg_bs_517832_13?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JR3VEF9MGRWS9ZDWBPNX

Spray



Window Netting

I've been using the AtmosFX branded gray projection material: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012Y1V8EY/



I've tried a few other types but I've yet to find one that "disappears" quite as good as the AtmosFX stuff does with my light & projector configuration.

It's next to silent. Actually, the only thing I can hear from it is the hard drive motor, but I think the only reason why that happens is because I have both of them mounted to the bottom of the chassis.

There isn't much in the way of built in dust protection, but I bought a roll of fiberglass screen replacement and cut strips to cover each vent. Every other month I pull them out and clean them off.

Edit: Not sure why my formatting isn't working properly

Do you not have screens? Maybe only open the window a little bit?
Or maybe buy a temporary screen like this?

I'm so sorry for your loss... :(

Have you considered attaching some kind of mesh over the entire gap? I've seen another post on here who has the same tank and they put some kind of wire mesh or plastic mesh over the entire gap.

The mesh had holes large enough to still drop pieces of betta food in the tank but too small for the betta to jump out of...

Maybe use something like this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/ADFORS-Vent-Mesh-100-Charcoal/dp/B00IKVH7SY

If you are just leaving the window open, and you don't have built in screen windows, try something like this -an adjustable window screen. Just make sure there are no gaps for them to crawl in. Be sure to check around for any other possible cracks or gaps they come thru and you should be ok. Be kind to your spider-bros and other predatory insects, [because they do what they can to help] (http://www.fishpondinfo.com/photos/other/arachnids/stinkspider.jpg). Just be glad your house isn't [covered with these buggers.] (http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/photos/brown_marmorated_stink_bug_house.jpg)

Any window retailer can order custom sizes. Also, have you considered some thing like this.

These work well for me as a barrier in my window. Not sure how good it would be at capturing the dust you describe, but I have a giant 20" house fan as an exhaust pulling heat from the rig out of my house, and air flows through it just fine.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SBEG1S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007Q3RQ6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: removable screen


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Here in the US, we have [collapsible screens] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00133J0NG/ref=pd_aw_sim_86_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SG1PYE2QG32PCX5FQ84X) that we can pop into open windows. Unless a cat is particularly tenacious, this should be enough to keep them inside.

I used something like this when I didn't have AC in NYC in the summer. It slides into the window without any damage and is adjustable to width.

http://www.amazon.com/Thermwell-Products-AWS2445-24x25-45-Screen/dp/B00133F8VY/

For mosquitos, I would suggest not scratching (for me they seem to last longer when you do) and afterbite or a calming lotion applied regularly.

You don't have to permanently install something.

I have a cat and I hate getting bitten by insects since half my arm swells up, and I like having no screens in windows otherwise (sticking my head out), so I just picked up a few of http://www.amazon.com/Thermwell-Products-AWS1537-15x21-37-Screen/dp/B002SBEG1S/

My cat isn't really interested in them because it's a small opening (and usually covered by blinds too), but it's big enough that there's decent airflow. The only improvement I'd make is maybe gluing some kind of strip on the top edge because there may be a small gap between the window and the frame.

You can't prevent a cat from ripping the mesh and getting out, but otherwise it's not too bad.

You can go one step further. There are small portable/external (for lack of a better word) window screens that you can put a laptop on to elevate it and give even better ventilation underneath.

https://www.amazon.com/Marvin-AWS1033-Adjustable-Window-19-33in/dp/B0012RYGKU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481058186&sr=8-2&keywords=adjustable+window+screen

10", 15", or 18" high on this particular amazon listing so you can fit it to your laptop's size.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IKVH7SY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1