As the daylight extends and the weather warms, spring tends to inspire homeowners to open their windows and patio doors and invite fresh breezes inside. Your windows and doors welcome in the fresh air and sunshine, but if you are not careful, they will bring in uninvited guests as well: pests, ticks, fleas, insects – and don’t even get us started on allergens! What used to be a requisite springtime stress for homeowners can now be avoided with a few pieces of window screen knowledge – from our screen experts to you!

6 Window Screen Tips for an Insect-Free Spring

In this blog, we’ll explore six quick and effective tips to keep your home free of insects and pests. From simple maintenance tasks to ways to identify wear, we’ll cover everything you need to know to bring the outdoors inside while remaining insect-free and enjoyable throughout the season.

So, whether you’re getting ready to host your friends and family, planning a lazy afternoon with a book and beverage, or simply looking to savor the sights and sounds of spring from the comfort of your living room, let RiteScreen be your guide to the pest-free, best Spring breeze yet.

1. Inspect and Repair Your Window Screens and Screen Doors

Begin by inspecting all your window and patio door screens for any damage incurred over the winter months. Look for tears, holes, rusting, or loose frames. Also check your window screens for any signs of water damage, such as mold or mildew growth. Remove any debris you find, especially if the debris is preventing water from flowing freely through any drainage or hardware holes. Clogged drainage holes in the window frame can lead to further water accumulation and damage, especially during those dreary April Showers!

If possible, promptly repair any damage you find to prevent insects and pests from entering your home. Though it may seem complex, window screen repair and even window fabrication can be simple for all homeowners, regardless of their DIY experience level. DIY Window Screen Kits and Patio Door Screen Kits are sold with all the components necessary to build or repair your screens, including aluminum frame pieces, fiberglass mesh (AKA insect screen), spline, and even a video guide for easy installation!

Looking for more guidance on identifying screen damage and replacing your window screen? Check out the RiteScreen blog for 8 Signs Your Window Screens Need to be Replaced. Still can’t tell if you’re ready for a window screen replacement? RiteScreen offers free screen assessments through its expert customer support team!

2. Spring Cleaning Should Always Include Your Window Screens

Spring is an excellent time to give your window screens (and any patio door screens) a thorough cleaning. Many homeowners have either removed their window screens or outright forgotten their existence during the long winter. It’s a good idea to use the extended daylight hours to squeeze in some quick and easy Spring Cleaning.

Use a mild detergent mixed with water and a soft brush to gently scrub away dirt, dust, and grime. Be sure to rinse only with clean water to avoid any mold, mildew, or staining. Once you have cleaned your window screens, allow them to air dry completely before reinstalling in your window frames. This cleaning process offers a convenient opportunity to assess your window screens individually and determine which window screens need to be replaced.

If the grime doesn’t scrub away with relative ease, it may be time to replace your screens before the damage extends to the rest of your home. After all, it’s easier to prevent home damage than to fix it after the fact! Check out our blog on Cleaning Your Window Screens for more on the importance of the cleaning process!

3. Check for Proper Fit and Function in Each Window and Door Frame

It might seem obvious, but many homeowners compromise on the fit of their window screens and patio door screens, whether for budgetary or convenience reasons. This can make it daunting to find the proper replacement screen option for your home. After all, every home and every household is unique. That means you may require a more specific or customized screen than other homes to best serve your specific aesthetic and needs.

Ensure that your screens fit snugly within your window frames – there should be no visible gaps around the perimeter. Over time, screens can become loose or warped, allowing insects easy access into your home. If you notice your screens have gaps or seem loose enough to rattle in the wind, you may need to find a window screen replacement.

For a convenient and comprehensive solution, the proprietary Multi-Fit Double-Hung Window Screen offers easy measurement to the nearest inch for a custom-fitting window that expands and retracts in your window frame to maintain its snugness and rigidity over time.

4. Trim Vegetation Growing Around Your Windows and Doors

It can be easy to get attached to your garden, especially as it is starting to bloom! Unfortunately, it can also be easy for your garden to get attached to your home, especially with the mesh system in your window screens or patio door screens. Trim back any bushes, trees, or shrubs that are close to your window screens or patio doors. Overgrown vegetation can cause damage to screens, especially from plants with thorns, vines, and branches.

While trellises are a popular feature on many homes, they require seasonal upkeep to prevent them from growing out of control and taking over the front of your home. They also provide a convenient bridge for pests to access your home’s entryways. Trimming seasonally – or even multiple times per year – can keep your vegetation manageable and help your screens avoid unnecessary wear and tear! An easy rule of thumb: keep your outdoor garden outdoors!

5. Check All Window Screens for Adequate Ventilation and Airflow

During the winter, it can be easy to “temporarily” block windows and entryways that are out of use for the season, whether through seasonal storage, movement of furniture, or outdated holiday decorations that refuse to put themselves away. As the weather warms up, you will want to start using your home’s natural ventilation system to the best of its ability.

Be sure that your screens provide adequate ventilation while keeping pests out. Check for any obstructions or debris blocking the airflow through your screens. Clear away any dirt or debris that may have collected in and around your window screens and window frames to ensure proper ventilation throughout your home. And while you’re at it, check any sliding door screens and patio doors

6. Consider Upgrading Your Window Screens and Patio Doors

If your window screens or patio doors are old, worn, or damaged beyond repair, consider upgrading to newer, more durable screen solutions. Otherwise, insects and pests will find plenty of new entryways to start invading your home. Homebuilders typically prefer more reliable, custom window screens made with weather-resistant materials, such as fiberglass or aluminum. These window screen replacements resist rust, corrosion, and damage from UV rays, ensuring longevity and performance.

Perhaps the winter months inspired some lifestyle changes – is that new pet getting stir-crazy indoors? Install sliding door screens with PetScreen, which is 7x stronger than standard insect screen material, allowing smaller animals to scratch away without harming the mesh! Or consider another premium insect screen option, such as BetterVue and UltraVue which provide greater visual clarity and optimal airflow!

These different insect screen options, along with various color and hardware choices, make custom window screens and custom patio door screens an increasingly popular option for homeowners seeking to optimize their homes for the long term.

Spring Time Does Not Have to Mean Insect Time

It’s undeniable! Spring is rolling across the country and we’re all daydreaming about the same things: warm grass, cool breezes, and a break from snow! You may want to rush into its warm embrace – and you absolutely should! But before you do, these quick seasonal tricks can go a long way to ensuring the rest of the spring (and summer) isn’t overshadowed by insects, pests, or any other unwanted guests.

By following the quick tips outlined above, you can fortify your home against all the tiny little invaders you’re trying to block and maintain your home’s clean appearance with minimal effort! Let this be the Spring of no pests, no rattling, and no compromises in your screen solutions. And if you’re interested in more homeowner tips, check out the RiteScreen blog for all your window screen and patio door content needs!