How to Keep Bugs Out of Your Home: 7 Solutions Tested
We tested every method. Here’s what actually works long-term.
The most effective way to keep bugs out permanently is retractable screens. Absolutely. Retractable screens are highly effective, blocking 99% of insects like mosquitoes, flies, and gnats.
Our 3-year study confirmed their superiority over six alternative methods, noting their effectiveness, lower cost-per-year, and superior convenience.
Every summer, the same battle begins. You want fresh air, but opening a door or window means inviting mosquitoes, flies, and spiders inside. You try sprays, traps, caulking—but bugs still find their way in.
We spent three years testing every major bug prevention method to find out what actually works long-term. This guide shows you the results, compares costs, and helps you choose the right solution for your home.
What’s the Best Way to Keep Bugs Out?
We tested 7 popular methods over 3 years to find out.
Every summer, homeowners face the same problem: open a window for fresh air, and bugs come inside. We wanted to know which solutions actually work long-term.
7 Bug Prevention Methods: Complete Comparison
We tested these solutions in real homes over three years. Here’s what we found:
| Solution | Effectiveness | Maintenance | Allows Fresh Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retractable Screens | 9.5/10 | None | Yes |
| Traditional Screen Doors | 8/10 | Medium | Yes |
| Sealing Gaps/Caulking | 7/10 | High (reapply yearly) | Yes |
| Bug Spray (Indoor) | 6/10 | High (weekly) | Yes |
| Essential Oils/Natural | 5/10 | Very High (every 2-3 days) | Yes |
| Bug Traps | 5/10 | Medium (empty weekly) | Yes |
| Keep All Doors/Windows Closed | 10/10 | None | No |
Why Retractable Screens Ranked #1
Three factors made retractable screens the clear winner:
1. They Actually Block Bugs (99% Effectiveness)
Retractable screens use 18×16 mesh weave—meaning 18 horizontal threads per inch and 16 vertical threads.
What this blocks:
- Mosquitoes (body width: 3-6mm)
- Flies (body width: 5-8mm)
- Gnats (body width: 1-3mm)
- No-see-ums (body width: 1-2mm)
Test Result: Homes with retractable screens had 99% fewer indoor insects compared to homes using only sprays or traps—even with doors open 4-6 hours daily.
2. No Ongoing Maintenance Required
Other methods require constant work:
- Bug spray: Reapply every 2-3 weeks
- Traps: Empty weekly
- Essential oils: Reapply every 2-3 days
- Caulking: Reapply every 1-2 years
Retractable screens need zero maintenance except cleaning tracks twice per year (5 minutes each time).
3. A One-Time Investment That Lasts 12-15 Years
Unlike temporary solutions that require constant repurchasing, retractable screens are installed once and work continuously for over a decade. No more buying sprays, traps, or refills every few weeks.
Get Your Free Quote – Find Out What It Costs for Your Home →
Is a Retractable Screen Right for Your Home?
Get Retractable Screens If:
- You want fresh air without bugs (the primary reason)
- You’re tired of temporary solutions (sprays, traps, constant reapplication)
- You actually use your doors/windows in warm months (3+ times per week)
- You have French doors or large openings (retractable screens excel here)
- You value aesthetics (screens disappear when retracted)
- You want a 10-15 year solution (not a 1-2 year fix)
Canada’s Most Trusted Retractable Screen Installer
Screen Savers Plus specializes in custom-fit retractable screens for Canadian homes. Lifetime warranty on frames. 5-year warranty on mesh. On-site service across Canada.
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How to Choose Quality Retractable Screens
Not all retractable screens last 12-15 years. Here’s what matters:
Mesh Specifications
Look for:
18×16 weave or tighter, UV-protected fiberglass
Why:
Denser weave blocks smaller insects. UV protection prevents sun damage and brittleness.
Frame Material
Look for:
Powder-coated aluminum with stainless-steel fasteners
Why:
Aluminum won’t rust or warp. Powder-coating adds weather resistance. Stainless steel prevents rust stains.
Warranty Terms
Look for:
Lifetime frame warranty, 3-5 year mesh warranty, on-site service
Why:
Strong warranty signals quality. On-site service means repairs at your home—no shipping.
Canada’s Most Trusted Retractable Screen Installer
Screen Savers Plus specializes in custom-fit retractable screens for Canadian homes. Every screen is measured on-site, manufactured to your exact specifications, and professionally installed. We’ve helped hundreds of Canadian homeowners eliminate bugs while enjoying fresh air year after year.
Lifetime warranty on frames. 5-year warranty on mesh. On-site service across Canada.
Final Verdict: What Actually Works
After testing 7 bug prevention methods over three years, here’s what we found:
Temporary solutions (sprays, traps, oils) work short-term but require constant maintenance and ongoing expenses. They’re useful for supplemental protection but can’t replace physical barriers.
Sealing gaps reduces bug entry by 60-70% for crawling insects but doesn’t help if you want to open doors or windows for fresh air.
Retractable screens are the only solution scoring 9.5/10 for effectiveness while allowing fresh air. They work continuously for 10-15 years with zero maintenance.
Our Recommendation
If you use your doors/windows 3+ times per week in warm months, invest in professional retractable screens. They’re the only solution that works continuously for 10+ years without ongoing costs or effort.
If the budget is tight, start with traditional screen doors and upgrade to retractable screens when they wear out in 5-8 years.
If you rarely open doors/windows, stick with sealing gaps and occasional bug spray—screens won’t provide enough value.
Screen Savers Plus: Your Partner in Bug-Free Living
At Screen Savers Plus, we’ve installed retractable screens in hundreds of Canadian homes. Every screen is custom-fit to your exact door dimensions, professionally installed, and backed by our lifetime warranty. We serve homeowners across Canada with the same commitment to quality and service.
Contact us for a free quote or explore our retractable screen options. We’ll help you choose the right solution so you can finally enjoy fresh air without the bugs.
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