Insect "curtains"

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by On the Levels, May 31, 2024.

  1. On the Levels

    On the Levels Super Gardener

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    We have a conservatory with one single and one double door. Over the years we have used the magnetic fly curtains when the doors are open to keep out insects. Not wanting to damage the door frames we have used the sticky pads provided. Within days they have detached from the curtain and/or the door frame. We made a frame so that they could be tacked onto this and the frame was kept in place by some hooks. Thought we had solved the problems but we hadn't. The curtains literally just fell apart after a few weeks. So now we have put up a net curtain having to adapt it for what we need.
    What do others do in their conservatories?
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Usually just put up with the flies, although I do try to get bees and butterflies out.
     
  3. On the Levels

    On the Levels Super Gardener

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    @pete we also have in the conservatory many insectivorous plants with the view that we like them but they can also catch the flies. But many times the flies would not go near the plants. Yes like you if a butterfly or bee comes in we do carefully catch them and take them back outside.
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      Yeah, never found carnivorous plant very effective at catching nuisance flies.
      In lots of countries they have those insect screens but never seen them here.
       
    • noisette47

      noisette47 Total Gardener

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      Lidl!! They do a range of very good value mosquito screens. For French windows (doors) you assemble the double aluminium frames and mesh which fit over the existing door frame and both sides open / close like a normal door. For sliding doors, we opted for the alu frame and a vertical roller blind-type mesh that locks onto the far side of the frame. These were less successful, but only because they are fitted to uneven stone walls, leaving gaps. On a brick-built house they would be fine. If/when we replace them I'd go for the double opening door type, though.
       
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      • DiggersJo

        DiggersJo Head Gardener

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        Shut the door?
         
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        • fairygirl

          fairygirl Total Gardener

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          The heat in conservatories is like a furnace if you can't ventilate @DiggersJo - even in weather that isn't searingly hot.
          @On the Levels - my daughter used those magnetic screens for her bedroom, as she gets the afternoon into evening sun, and the windows are large at the front, with a small one at the south west facing side as well. They lasted a long time, so perhaps the ones you had just weren't good enough quality? I'll try and remember to ask her where she got them.
           
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          • Hanglow

            Hanglow Super Gardener

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            I just suffer the flies. Got some zappers that looks like plastic tennis racquets from home bargains that work pretty well if they venture too close, keeps your backhand in too
             
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            • JWK

              JWK Gardener Staff Member

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              We just live with them, can't say I even notice them, maybe a bumble bee but we have the doors and windows open at any chance so bees find their own way out usually.

              And what do you do outside in the garden? You can't keep insects away there ?

              The only time they annoy me is at night going to sleep with a mozzy dive bombing. Rarely happens here.
               
            • On the Levels

              On the Levels Super Gardener

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              @JWK outside isn't an issue. We and they are moving around and outside is their habitat. Inside though the buzzing can be very annoying as they always want to settle on you. Then there is the marks left by their droppings on the furnishings. Not easy to clean off when they need to be dry cleaned. As said before we always "catch" any bees/butterflies and release them back outside.
               
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              • DiggersJo

                DiggersJo Head Gardener

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                Ahh I forgot UK conservatories are such poor builds regards the roof not keeping the sun out. That's why we've been getting all these leaflets advertising super new replacement roof to stop the sun. We need to learn quickly as a country to deal with hotter times...
                I think @noisette47 provided a solution it it is doors you need/want to screen.
                 
              • KT53

                KT53 Gardener

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                I'm tempted to get something for the door between the main house and the conservatory. We've had a number of visits from birds who seemingly fancied the idea of living in our lounge, specifically on the lovely perches created by the light fittings. They're a bugger to get back out of the house.
                 
              • fairygirl

                fairygirl Total Gardener

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                This is the thing my daughter used @On the Levels
                https://groceries.asda.com/product/view-all-jml/jml-snap-screen-window-black/1000213073561

                She doesn't know if they're still available - she got them in Asda as she works there, but she said they don't have them just now. Other branches might have them though, or they might be available in other outlets or online etc. There's also a door one - it's in two sections [vertically] and you go through the middle of it. It snaps back once you go through.
                Hope that's of some use. :smile:
                 
              • On the Levels

                On the Levels Super Gardener

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                @fairygirl Many thanks I have book marked the web site and will keep an eye out. The net curtain we have put up seems to be doing the job at the moment.
                 
              • CanadianLori

                CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                Retractable screens are well worth the investment. The first pic shows the screen pulled across and obviously the second shows how neatly they stow away.
                20240602_112251.jpg 20240602_112257.jpg
                 
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