Florida is home to 47 species of no see ums or biting midges. At less than one-eighth of an inch in size, these tiny pests may have difficulty catching your eye, but they have no trouble making their presence felt. Their bites are irritating and painful, and for some unlucky souls, they can trigger long-lasting lesions. If their nips interfere with your enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces, you are probably wondering if there is a way to keep them away. There is! As your local screen enclosure experts, Dulando Screen & Awning has the necessary facts. Here is an article about the pros and cons of no see um screen for your patio or pool enclosure.
No See Um Screen vs. Regular Screen
What sets a no see um screen apart from a regular screen?
It starts with size and material.
Regular screens that are in good repair do a great job of keeping most insects out. However, the minuscule size of no see ums allows them to slip through the holes in the weave of regular screens. No see um screens are a tighter weave and there are more holes in the screen. This increases your protection against biting no-see ums without sacrificing comfort, aesthetics, or durability.
Types of Insect Screening
With nearly 50 species of no-see ums, it’s no surprise that you have several options for insect screen material to keep these nuisances out of your spaces. At Dulando Screen & Awning, we always use top-quality Phifer screens. Phifer offers a few possibilities for no-see ums:
20×20 No See Um Screening
This fiberglass screen is the standard choice for a product that keeps no see ums at bay. It uses glass yarns finer than those found in regular fiberglass screening that have been coated with vinyl. This material choice allows for a denser weaving with smaller holes that keep even the tiniest insects out. Don’t worry, it may keep insects out, but you’ll still enjoy plenty of airflow. Fiberglass remains flexible and won’t rust or stain. This screen is available in charcoal for optimal aesthetics. See the difference between 18/14 Screen and 20/20 Screen.
Phifer Tuffscreen
A vinyl-coated polyester screening, Tuffscreen can stop most small insects while protecting privacy. It’s durable and stylish in black. Phifer TuffScreen® Heavy-duty Mesh Screen spans wide spaces easily. Its heavy-duty vinyl coating blocks out insects but leaves your view unobstructed.
Pros of No See-Um Screens
What are the pros of no see um screens? If you’re weighing no-see um screen vs regular screening, you can generally expect no see um screens to offer greater protection from insects large and small. This means you will not need to use as many chemical repellants.
You will also tend to enjoy more privacy. Depending on the screen that you select, you may also get more sun protection. It’s also worth noting that no see um screens tend to have great durability and lengthy lifespans. This can help to offset their higher initial cost, making them amazing value. As top-quality screens, they can often outperform other regular types of screening.
Cons of No See Um Screens
What downsides come with no-see um screens? Because of the materials and technology involved in their construction, they are one of the more expensive types of screening. Also, their denser weave can sometimes cause a slight reduction in visibility.
Whether you’re weighing the pros and cons of a no-see-um screen or are curious about how to screen a porch or patio, Dulando Screen & Awning is ready to answer your screen enclosure questions. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Dulando always offers a free in-home design consultation.
