What to Do If Mosquito Screens Aren't Enough

Good screens block most insects, but some situations go beyond what mesh alone can handle. If mosquitoes or small insects still enter your home, the cause is usually one of three things: small gaps, irregular airflow, or outdoor conditions that overwhelm the barrier.

1. Check for Micro-Gaps Around the Frame

The majority of "mystery entries" come from thin openings that look harmless but create an easy path.

Loose spline on framed screens
Adhesive strips lifting in humid weather
Magnets not closing evenly on door screens
Bottom corners pulling away when the door swings

Shine a phone flashlight along the perimeter at night — any light passing through indicates a gap.

2. Look for Secondary Entry Points

Screens might be working perfectly, but insects slip through other openings:

Bathroom exhaust vents
Kitchen hood vents that lack a back-draft damper
Air-conditioning gaps near hoses
Cracks around old window frames
Loose weatherstripping on doors

Mosquitoes follow airflow, so even a small draft can pull them inside.

3. Check for Indoor Conditions That Attract Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes don't enter randomly — they're drawn by cues:

Standing water (plant trays, mop buckets, humid basements)
Laundry drying indoors
Strong CO₂ concentration from closed rooms

Stabilizing airflow and removing moisture helps more than most people expect.

4. Outdoor Conditions Can Overwhelm Any Screen

During certain hours — especially still, humid evenings — mosquito activity spikes.

If your lighting is bright and close to the screens, insects will gather around the mesh, increasing the chance of small intrusions.

Use warm-color or dimmer bulbs near windows
Limit direct light facing the screens at night
Keep curtains partly drawn after sunset

5. When Additional Measures Make Sense

If you've checked the screens, sealed micro-gaps, and adjusted lighting but insects still enter, consider adding one targeted layer:

Outdoor Measures

Small fans pointing outward (mosquitoes avoid airflow)
Citronella placement near seating areas
Eliminating stagnant outdoor water (gutters, buckets, plant dishes)

Indoor Measures

Light, low-noise fans during peak mosquito hours
Closing doors to bedrooms before sunset
Using bed nets temporarily during heavy mosquito seasons

6. When a Local Pest-Control Assessment Helps

If insects continue entering despite proper screening, airflow sealing, and indoor adjustments, you may be dealing with a persistent outdoor source:

Nearby standing water or vegetation close to windows
Blocked gutters or roof pooling
High-density breeding in the immediate area

A brief outdoor assessment from a local pest-control professional can pinpoint the specific source — especially in homes near wooded areas or damp climates. (Ref: #6193532239)

This is not about spraying the entire yard. Often the cause is one small location near the home that goes unnoticed.

7. A Simple Plan Moving Forward

Re-check your screens for micro-gaps.
Inspect secondary openings inside the home.
Reduce indoor attractants during peak mosquito hours.
Adjust outdoor lighting and airflow.
Consider a targeted outdoor assessment if the problem continues.

Most homes only need one or two small adjustments to restore a quiet, mosquito-free environment. Screens handle the majority — these steps cover the rest.

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