Insect Screens For South African Homes, Holiday Spaces And Guest Stays
Fresh air, evening breezes, sleeping kids, no mozzies. Insect screens let you open your windows and doors
without worrying about bugs, baboons or safety. At Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings™, we design insect
screen solutions for real South African homes, from coastal townhouses and family spaces to guest lodges along
the Garden Route and beyond.
Whether you need a simple fly screen for a bedroom window, a pet friendly screen for sliding doors, or
security grade screens for baboon sensitive areas, we help you choose the right system for your home and
your budget.
As a local installer of leading South African screen systems, including the Corner Star® range, we match
products to your climate, lifestyle and openings so your screens quietly do their job year after year.
Request an insect screen quote
View our fly screen options
As a local installer of leading South African screen systems, including the Corner Star® range, we match products
to your climate, lifestyle and openings so your screens quietly do their job year after year. You can also read more
about the Corner Star insect and security screen range on their website
here.
What Are Insect Screens, And How Do They Differ From Fly Screens And Security Screens?
Insect screens are framed or retractable mesh systems that stop insects and pests from entering while you keep
doors and windows open. Within this category there are three main types that often get confused with each other.
- Fly screens are lightweight screens that focus on keeping out mosquitos and flies while allowing air to flow.
- Everyday insect screens are practical solutions for bedrooms, kitchens and living areas where you want airflow and bug control.
- Security screens combine insect protection with stronger frames, hardware and mesh to add a layer of security.
This page gives you an overview of insect screens as a category for South African homes. If you are looking for
more detail on specific products, you can also visit:
Where Insect Screens Work Best In South African Homes
Insect screens are most effective where you want ventilation and light, but cannot afford to have insects or
wildlife wandering in and out as they please. These are the areas our team is asked to solve most often.
- Bedrooms and nurseries where you want night time airflow without worrying about mozzies disturbing sleep.
- Kitchens and scullery windows that stand open during cooking and washing up but attract flies.
- Patio, balcony and braai doors where you want evening breezes and open doors without insects around your food.
- Coastal homes that need rust aware, durable screens for salty air, wind and fine sand.
- Holiday homes and Airbnbs where guests need simple, intuitive screens that are hard to damage.
Along the Garden Route we also design
rust resistant and baboon aware screens
for homes and lodges that share space with wildlife. Here the goal is a balanced solution that respects both your
safety and your view.
Types Of Insect Screens We Recommend
Every home is different. Rather than forcing one product into every opening, we look at how you live in the
space and then recommend what will actually work for you long term.
1. Fixed Window Insect Screens
Fixed insect screens are ideal for standard bedroom, bathroom and kitchen windows. They sit neatly in the frame,
keep insects out, and can usually be removed for cleaning if needed. Once installed, they become part of the
window and do not need attention every week.
2. Hinged And Sliding Door Screens
Hinged insect screen doors are a practical choice for single doors and smaller openings. Sliding insect screens
work well on wider openings and stacker doors, especially where you have a main sliding door between living
areas and patios. The screen follows your lifestyle instead of locking a door closed.
3. Retractable Insect Screens
Retractable insect screens roll away neatly when not in use. They are a good option if you prefer a clean, open
look during the day but want reliable protection in the evenings. Retractable solutions are often used on
French doors, stackers and certain window types where you prefer not to see a fixed frame all the time.
4. Security Grade Insect Screens
For high risk or baboon sensitive areas we recommend security grade screens with stronger frames, reinforced
hardware and high tension mesh. These systems are designed to resist force and tampering while still giving you
airflow and natural light. They are a practical upgrade for bedrooms, living areas and patios where safety and
ventilation matter together.
You can learn more about our security screen range on our dedicated page:
Security screens and tamper resistant mesh.
Insect Screens For South African Climates And Coastal Homes
South African homes deal with heat, humidity, seasonal rain, coastal air and local wildlife. Screens that work
inland might not last at the coast, and light mesh that works in a sheltered townhouse can fail on a sea facing
balcony. Material choice matters.
That is why we pair our screen recommendations with the same thinking behind our
coastal outdoor blinds guide and
our
product climate guide for South Africa.
We look at your exposure to sun, wind and salty air and recommend frames and mesh that can cope with your
conditions so you are not replacing screens every season.
Why Choose Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings™ For Insect Screens
- Local experience across Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Buffalo Bay and the wider Garden Route.
- Trusted screen systems including leading South African brands such as the Corner Star® range.
- Tailored advice for bedrooms, nurseries, kitchens, braai areas, holiday homes and guest lodges.
- Personal service from a small team that handles your project from advice and measuring to installation.
- Nationwide support with design advice and supply outside the Garden Route where possible.
We do not believe in one size fits all. We ask how you live, how your family or guests use the space, and how
much maintenance you are realistically willing to do. Then we recommend a solution that fits your lifestyle, not
just your window size.
You May Be Interested In:
National Installation Support Through Handyman Direct
If you are outside the Garden Route, we can still help. Through our partnership with
Handyman Direct, we offer reliable national installation support for all our screen, blind,
shutter and awning products. This means you can order through Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings™ and have
your installation handled by trained, vetted professionals in major metros in South Africa.
Our team manages the product selection, design and supply, and Handyman Direct assists with trusted,
on-the-ground fitting so you get the same quality outcome no matter where you live.
Learn more about Handyman Direct
Explore more:
Corner Star · Security solutions · Safety bars · LockLatch · Shutters · Awnings · Outdoor blinds · Outdoor products · Indoor products · Shop · Security shutters
Insect Screens for Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are the most requested screen installation in South African homes. Stacking sliders, French doors, and patio doors all need screens that move smoothly without jamming or coming off track.
Options for sliding doors:
- Sliding panel screens: Run on a parallel track to your existing door. Best for standard sliding doors up to 3 metres wide.
- Retractable screens: Roll away into a housing when not in use. Ideal for stacking sliders where you want the opening completely clear when screens are not needed.
- Hinged screen doors: Swing open on hinges. Good for single-door openings and kitchens where you want easy one-hand access.
- Multi-panel sliding screens: For extra-wide openings and bi-fold door configurations. Custom-built to match your existing track system.
Every sliding screen is measured on-site to account for track depth, reveal size, and any existing hardware. We fit screens that glide as smoothly as the door behind them.
Baboon-Proof and Wildlife Screens
Standard fly screens will not stop a baboon. If you live near reserves, greenbelt areas, or in wildlife corridors along the Garden Route, you need screens that are engineered to resist forced entry by primates.
Our baboon-proof screens use SS316 marine-grade stainless steel mesh with reinforced clamp profiles and tamper-resistant locks. The mesh is strong enough to resist baboon pulling and prying, while still allowing full airflow and clear visibility from inside.
Areas where baboon screens are recommended:
- Knysna Heads, Pezula, and Belvidere estates
- Plettenberg Bay — Nature’s Valley, Robberg, and Keurbooms areas
- George — Wilderness Heights and Herold’s Bay
- Any Garden Route home within 500 metres of natural bush or reserves
These screens also protect against monkeys, genets, and other wildlife that enter homes through open windows and doors. Read our full guide: Rust-resistant baboon-proof screens for the Garden Route.
Health Benefits: Why Insect Screens Matter in South Africa
South Africa’s climate supports mosquito populations that carry malaria, dengue, and other vector-borne diseases. In KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, insect screens are a frontline defence. But even in the Western Cape and Garden Route, summer mosquitoes disrupt sleep and reduce quality of life.
Properly fitted insect screens reduce pest entry by up to 90 percent compared to unscreened openings. They also reduce reliance on chemical sprays, plug-in repellents, and air conditioning — making them a healthier and more energy-efficient solution for year-round ventilation.
For families with young children, the elderly, or anyone with respiratory conditions, screens allow fresh air circulation without the risk of insect-borne illness or chemical exposure.
Insect Screen Materials: Coastal vs Inland
The right material depends on where you live. Coastal homes face salt air, UV exposure, and humidity that destroy cheap screens within a year. Inland homes have different challenges — dust, heat, and sometimes hail.
| Material | Coastal lifespan | Corrosion resistance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard aluminium frame | 6–18 months | Poor | Inland only — avoid on coast |
| Powder-coated aluminium | 3–5 years | Good | Budget coastal option |
| Fibreglass mesh | 5–8 years | Good | Standard fly screens |
| 316 stainless steel mesh | 8–12+ years | Excellent | Security screens, baboon-proof, premium |
| Pet-resistant polyester | 5–7 years | Good | Homes with dogs or cats |
Midge-specific note: standard mesh openings (1.2–1.6mm) let midges through. For the Garden Route, we recommend fine mesh at 0.4–0.6mm for full midge protection with minimal airflow reduction.
What Do Insect Screens Cost in South Africa?
Insect screen pricing depends on the type, material, size, and complexity of the installation. As a guide:
- Fixed fly screens (windows): Entry-level option. Cost depends on window size and mesh type.
- Hinged screen doors: Mid-range. Includes frame, mesh, hinges, and magnetic closure.
- Sliding screen doors: Mid-to-premium range depending on track system and width.
- Retractable screens: Premium option. Higher cost reflects the roll-away mechanism and housing.
- Security screens (stainless steel): Premium. Priced higher due to marine-grade materials and reinforced hardware.
- Baboon-proof screens: Highest tier. Reinforced locks, clamp profiles, and tamper-resistant fittings.
Every quote is based on an on-site measurement or photos of your openings. We don’t publish fixed prices because every home is different — but we’re transparent about what drives cost and happy to explain the breakdown.
Insect Screens South Africa – Frequently Asked Questions
Are insect screens worth it in South Africa?
Yes. In most parts of South Africa you either live with closed windows or you live with insects. Properly fitted
insect screens let you enjoy ventilation and fresh air without sharing your home with mosquitos, flies and other
pests. They also reduce the need for constant sprays and plug in repellents.
What is the difference between fly screens and insect screens?
Fly screens are a type of insect screen that are usually lighter and focused on keeping out mosquitos and flies.
Insect screens is the wider term that includes fixed window screens, door screens, retractable systems and
security grade mesh. On this page we use insect screens as the broader category.
Can insect screens handle coastal conditions and wind?
With the right frame and mesh choice, yes. For coastal homes we recommend systems and finishes that are designed
for salty air and higher winds. Our team has installed screens across the Garden Route and can guide you on what
has lasted well in similar homes.
Do insect screens work with security bars and shutters?
In many cases they do, especially on windows. We look at the depth of your reveals, how your existing security
is fitted and what hardware is in the way. In some situations security grade mesh can replace bars entirely,
giving you both insect and intrusion protection in one system.
How long do insect screens last?
With quality materials and proper installation, insect screens typically last 10 to 15 years. The mesh itself may
need replacing before the frame. We use UV-stabilised fibreglass and aluminium mesh options that hold up well
in South African conditions.
Can I install insect screens on sliding doors?
Yes. Retractable screen systems are specifically designed for sliding doors and large openings. They roll away
when not in use, so you get full access to your patio or garden when you want it and insect protection when you need it.
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Insect Screens For South African Homes, Holiday Spaces And Guest Stays
Fresh air, evening breezes, sleeping kids, no mozzies. Insect screens let you open your windows and doors
without worrying about bugs, baboons or safety. At Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings™, we design insect
screen solutions for real South African homes, from coastal townhouses and family spaces to guest lodges along
the Garden Route and beyond.
Whether you need a simple fly screen for a bedroom window, a pet friendly screen for sliding doors, or
security grade screens for baboon sensitive areas, we help you choose the right system for your home and
your budget.
As a local installer of leading South African screen systems, including the Corner Star® range, we match
products to your climate, lifestyle and openings so your screens quietly do their job year after year.
Request an insect screen quote
View our fly screen options
As a local installer of leading South African screen systems, including the Corner Star® range, we match products
to your climate, lifestyle and openings so your screens quietly do their job year after year. You can also read more
about the Corner Star insect and security screen range on their website
here.
What Are Insect Screens, And How Do They Differ From Fly Screens And Security Screens?
Insect screens are framed or retractable mesh systems that stop insects and pests from entering while you keep
doors and windows open. Within this category there are three main types that often get confused with each other.
- Fly screens are lightweight screens that focus on keeping out mosquitos and flies while allowing air to flow.
- Everyday insect screens are practical solutions for bedrooms, kitchens and living areas where you want airflow and bug control.
- Security screens combine insect protection with stronger frames, hardware and mesh to add a layer of security.
This page gives you an overview of insect screens as a category for South African homes. If you are looking for
more detail on specific products, you can also visit:
Where Insect Screens Work Best In South African Homes
Insect screens are most effective where you want ventilation and light, but cannot afford to have insects or
wildlife wandering in and out as they please. These are the areas our team is asked to solve most often.
- Bedrooms and nurseries where you want night time airflow without worrying about mozzies disturbing sleep.
- Kitchens and scullery windows that stand open during cooking and washing up but attract flies.
- Patio, balcony and braai doors where you want evening breezes and open doors without insects around your food.
- Coastal homes that need rust aware, durable screens for salty air, wind and fine sand.
- Holiday homes and Airbnbs where guests need simple, intuitive screens that are hard to damage.
Along the Garden Route we also design
rust resistant and baboon aware screens
for homes and lodges that share space with wildlife. Here the goal is a balanced solution that respects both your
safety and your view.
Types Of Insect Screens We Recommend
Every home is different. Rather than forcing one product into every opening, we look at how you live in the
space and then recommend what will actually work for you long term.
1. Fixed Window Insect Screens
Fixed insect screens are ideal for standard bedroom, bathroom and kitchen windows. They sit neatly in the frame,
keep insects out, and can usually be removed for cleaning if needed. Once installed, they become part of the
window and do not need attention every week.
2. Hinged And Sliding Door Screens
Hinged insect screen doors are a practical choice for single doors and smaller openings. Sliding insect screens
work well on wider openings and stacker doors, especially where you have a main sliding door between living
areas and patios. The screen follows your lifestyle instead of locking a door closed.
3. Retractable Insect Screens
Retractable insect screens roll away neatly when not in use. They are a good option if you prefer a clean, open
look during the day but want reliable protection in the evenings. Retractable solutions are often used on
French doors, stackers and certain window types where you prefer not to see a fixed frame all the time.
4. Security Grade Insect Screens
For high risk or baboon sensitive areas we recommend security grade screens with stronger frames, reinforced
hardware and high tension mesh. These systems are designed to resist force and tampering while still giving you
airflow and natural light. They are a practical upgrade for bedrooms, living areas and patios where safety and
ventilation matter together.
You can learn more about our security screen range on our dedicated page:
Security screens and tamper resistant mesh.
Insect Screens For South African Climates And Coastal Homes
South African homes deal with heat, humidity, seasonal rain, coastal air and local wildlife. Screens that work
inland might not last at the coast, and light mesh that works in a sheltered townhouse can fail on a sea facing
balcony. Material choice matters.
That is why we pair our screen recommendations with the same thinking behind our
coastal outdoor blinds guide and
our
product climate guide for South Africa.
We look at your exposure to sun, wind and salty air and recommend frames and mesh that can cope with your
conditions so you are not replacing screens every season.
Why Choose Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings™ For Insect Screens
- Local experience across Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Buffalo Bay and the wider Garden Route.
- Trusted screen systems including leading South African brands such as the Corner Star® range.
- Tailored advice for bedrooms, nurseries, kitchens, braai areas, holiday homes and guest lodges.
- Personal service from a small team that handles your project from advice and measuring to installation.
- Nationwide support with design advice and supply outside the Garden Route where possible.
We do not believe in one size fits all. We ask how you live, how your family or guests use the space, and how
much maintenance you are realistically willing to do. Then we recommend a solution that fits your lifestyle, not
just your window size.
You May Be Interested In:
National Installation Support Through Handyman Direct
If you are outside the Garden Route, we can still help. Through our partnership with
Handyman Direct, we offer reliable national installation support for all our screen, blind,
shutter and awning products. This means you can order through Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings™ and have
your installation handled by trained, vetted professionals in major metros in South Africa.
Our team manages the product selection, design and supply, and Handyman Direct assists with trusted,
on-the-ground fitting so you get the same quality outcome no matter where you live.
Learn more about Handyman Direct
Explore more:
Corner Star · Security solutions · Safety bars · LockLatch · Shutters · Awnings · Outdoor blinds · Outdoor products · Indoor products · Shop · Security shutters
Insect Screens for Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are the most requested screen installation in South African homes. Stacking sliders, French doors, and patio doors all need screens that move smoothly without jamming or coming off track.
Options for sliding doors:
- Sliding panel screens: Run on a parallel track to your existing door. Best for standard sliding doors up to 3 metres wide.
- Retractable screens: Roll away into a housing when not in use. Ideal for stacking sliders where you want the opening completely clear when screens are not needed.
- Hinged screen doors: Swing open on hinges. Good for single-door openings and kitchens where you want easy one-hand access.
- Multi-panel sliding screens: For extra-wide openings and bi-fold door configurations. Custom-built to match your existing track system.
Every sliding screen is measured on-site to account for track depth, reveal size, and any existing hardware. We fit screens that glide as smoothly as the door behind them.
Baboon-Proof and Wildlife Screens
Standard fly screens will not stop a baboon. If you live near reserves, greenbelt areas, or in wildlife corridors along the Garden Route, you need screens that are engineered to resist forced entry by primates.
Our baboon-proof screens use SS316 marine-grade stainless steel mesh with reinforced clamp profiles and tamper-resistant locks. The mesh is strong enough to resist baboon pulling and prying, while still allowing full airflow and clear visibility from inside.
Areas where baboon screens are recommended:
- Knysna Heads, Pezula, and Belvidere estates
- Plettenberg Bay — Nature’s Valley, Robberg, and Keurbooms areas
- George — Wilderness Heights and Herold’s Bay
- Any Garden Route home within 500 metres of natural bush or reserves
These screens also protect against monkeys, genets, and other wildlife that enter homes through open windows and doors. Read our full guide: Rust-resistant baboon-proof screens for the Garden Route.
Health Benefits: Why Insect Screens Matter in South Africa
South Africa’s climate supports mosquito populations that carry malaria, dengue, and other vector-borne diseases. In KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, insect screens are a frontline defence. But even in the Western Cape and Garden Route, summer mosquitoes disrupt sleep and reduce quality of life.
Properly fitted insect screens reduce pest entry by up to 90 percent compared to unscreened openings. They also reduce reliance on chemical sprays, plug-in repellents, and air conditioning — making them a healthier and more energy-efficient solution for year-round ventilation.
For families with young children, the elderly, or anyone with respiratory conditions, screens allow fresh air circulation without the risk of insect-borne illness or chemical exposure.
Insect Screen Materials: Coastal vs Inland
The right material depends on where you live. Coastal homes face salt air, UV exposure, and humidity that destroy cheap screens within a year. Inland homes have different challenges — dust, heat, and sometimes hail.
| Material | Coastal lifespan | Corrosion resistance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard aluminium frame | 6–18 months | Poor | Inland only — avoid on coast |
| Powder-coated aluminium | 3–5 years | Good | Budget coastal option |
| Fibreglass mesh | 5–8 years | Good | Standard fly screens |
| 316 stainless steel mesh | 8–12+ years | Excellent | Security screens, baboon-proof, premium |
| Pet-resistant polyester | 5–7 years | Good | Homes with dogs or cats |
Midge-specific note: standard mesh openings (1.2–1.6mm) let midges through. For the Garden Route, we recommend fine mesh at 0.4–0.6mm for full midge protection with minimal airflow reduction.
What Do Insect Screens Cost in South Africa?
Insect screen pricing depends on the type, material, size, and complexity of the installation. As a guide:
- Fixed fly screens (windows): Entry-level option. Cost depends on window size and mesh type.
- Hinged screen doors: Mid-range. Includes frame, mesh, hinges, and magnetic closure.
- Sliding screen doors: Mid-to-premium range depending on track system and width.
- Retractable screens: Premium option. Higher cost reflects the roll-away mechanism and housing.
- Security screens (stainless steel): Premium. Priced higher due to marine-grade materials and reinforced hardware.
- Baboon-proof screens: Highest tier. Reinforced locks, clamp profiles, and tamper-resistant fittings.
Every quote is based on an on-site measurement or photos of your openings. We don’t publish fixed prices because every home is different — but we’re transparent about what drives cost and happy to explain the breakdown.
Insect Screens South Africa – Frequently Asked Questions
Are insect screens worth it in South Africa?
Yes. In most parts of South Africa you either live with closed windows or you live with insects. Properly fitted
insect screens let you enjoy ventilation and fresh air without sharing your home with mosquitos, flies and other
pests. They also reduce the need for constant sprays and plug in repellents.
What is the difference between fly screens and insect screens?
Fly screens are a type of insect screen that are usually lighter and focused on keeping out mosquitos and flies.
Insect screens is the wider term that includes fixed window screens, door screens, retractable systems and
security grade mesh. On this page we use insect screens as the broader category.
Can insect screens handle coastal conditions and wind?
With the right frame and mesh choice, yes. For coastal homes we recommend systems and finishes that are designed
for salty air and higher winds. Our team has installed screens across the Garden Route and can guide you on what
has lasted well in similar homes.
Do insect screens work with security bars and shutters?
In many cases they do, especially on windows. We look at the depth of your reveals, how your existing security
is fitted and what hardware is in the way. In some situations security grade mesh can replace bars entirely,
giving you both insect and intrusion protection in one system.
How long do insect screens last?
With quality materials and proper installation, insect screens typically last 10 to 15 years. The mesh itself may
need replacing before the frame. We use UV-stabilised fibreglass and aluminium mesh options that hold up well
in South African conditions.
Can I install insect screens on sliding doors?
Yes. Retractable screen systems are specifically designed for sliding doors and large openings. They roll away
when not in use, so you get full access to your patio or garden when you want it and insect protection when you need it.
