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Baboon and wildlife zones
Knysna Heads, Pezula, parts of Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley, and Wilderness Heights all have active baboon troops. Standard fly screens are useless here — SS316 stainless mesh with reinforced clamp profiles and tamper-resistant locks are the minimum spec. Read our baboon screen guide.
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The Complete Guide to Insect Screens for Garden Route Coastal Homes
Why standard insect screens fail in salt air and what actually works for Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Wilderness and beyond. Protect your home from midges, flies and wildlife while keeping views, airflow and light.
Contents
Why Standard Insect Screens Fail on the Coast
The Garden Route triple challenge of salt laden air, high humidity, and persistent coastal breeze breaks down cheap screen materials fast. Add tiny midges and curious wildlife and generic screens simply do not last.
The real costs of poor screens
- Health and comfort: midge bites, poor sleep, closed windows
- Money drain: frequent replacements outcost quality solutions
- Property risks: wildlife intrusion and damage through weak fittings
Salt Air and Corrosion: What Is Actually Happening
Microscopic salt crystals settle on frames and meshes. With moisture they form a corrosive film that pits aluminium, weakens fasteners and stains fabrics. This process continues many kilometres inland during onshore winds.
| Material | Coastal lifespan | Corrosion resistance | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard aluminium | six to eighteen months | Poor | Avoid on coast |
| Powder coated aluminium | three to five years | Good | Budget option |
| 316 stainless mesh | eight to twelve years | Excellent | Premium choice |
| Advanced synthetic mesh | seven to ten years | Excellent | High performance |
Local insight
Installs near Knysna Lagoon and open ocean exposures keep frames in great condition for years when we specify marine grade fasteners, sealed corners and proper drainage in the sash.
The Midge Problem
Standard insect mesh openings at about one point two to one point six millimetres let midges through. For the Garden Route aim for zero point four to zero point six millimetres in a quality mesh that resists sagging.
Fine mesh advantages
- Blocks midges and filters dust
- Extra privacy with daytime light
- Better protection from wind splash
Trade offs
- Slightly lower airflow which is minimal with high quality mesh
- Collects more dust and needs light rinses
The sweet spot
High tension fine mesh at zero point four to zero point six millimetres with marine hardware gives the best comfort and durability on the coast.
Materials That Actually Work Here
Frames and hardware
- Marine grade aluminium with thick powder coat
- 316 stainless for hinges, corners and high wear points
- Sealed corners and drainage paths to shed water
- UV stable seals and gaskets
Mesh options
316 stainless steel mesh for maximum life and security. Advanced synthetics for excellent corrosion resistance and flexibility. Hybrid coated meshes combine both strengths.
Avoid common mistakes
Do not buy on price alone. A low cost screen that fails in six to twelve months costs more than a marine grade screen that lasts eight to twelve years.
How to Choose for Your Home
Assess your exposure
- Distance to ocean: within two kilometres use fully marine grade. Five to ten kilometres inland still benefits
- Elevation and wind: ridges and open aspects need reinforced fixing
- Water bodies: lagoons and lakes bring more midges which calls for finer mesh
Room by room strategy
| Area | Best screen | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchens | Retractable or sliding | High airflow and easy cleaning |
| Bedrooms | Fixed fine mesh | Midge control is the priority |
| Patios and stacker doors | Sliding or retractable plus zones with security mesh | Balance view and wildlife deterrent |
Coastal Care: Make Them Last
Monthly about five minutes
- Rinse mesh and frames with fresh water
- Clear drainage and weep paths
- Quick check on corners and fasteners
Quarterly about thirty minutes
- Mild soapy wash with a soft brush
- Rinse and air dry fully
- Lubricate moving parts if retractable
Local Tips by Area
Knysna and lagoon areas
High humidity and midges year-round. Lagoon-side homes in Thesen Islands, Belvidere, and Leisure Isle face persistent midge swarms — fine mesh at 0.4mm is essential. Knysna Heads and Pezula need baboon-proof stainless steel. Marine fasteners and sealed corners mandatory on all waterfront properties.
Plettenberg Bay
Full ocean exposure in Robberg, Keurbooms, and Beacon Isle. Salt corrosion is the primary enemy — 316 stainless mesh is recommended for any screen within 1km of the ocean. Nature’s Valley homes also need baboon-grade screens. Retractable options popular for holiday homes that open fully in season.
Wilderness and Sedgefield
Lake and river proximity creates midge and mosquito pressure from dusk. Wilderness Heights has baboon activity — security screens recommended. Sedgefield’s Myoli Beach and Cola Beach areas face strong south-easterly salt exposure. Fresh water rinses after wind events extend mesh life significantly.
George and inland areas
Lower salt exposure but Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay still need coastal-grade materials. George town centre has lighter insect pressure — standard fibreglass mesh works well. Mossel Bay’s Dana Bay and De Bakke need full coastal specification.
What 15 Years of Coastal Installs Has Taught Us
Having installed hundreds of screens across the Garden Route since 2010, these are the patterns Duncan sees repeated:
- Cheap screens are expensive. Homeowners who install budget screens replace them every 18 months. Quality screens last 8 to 12 years. The math is clear.
- Midge mesh is not optional on the lagoon. Every Thesen Islands and Belvidere client who started with standard mesh came back for fine mesh within one season.
- Holiday homes need retractable. Screens that can’t be fully opened get damaged by tenants who force them. Retractable systems roll away cleanly.
- Baboon screens pay for themselves. One baboon break-in causes more damage than a full set of security screens costs. We’ve seen it dozens of times.
- Matching frame colour matters. Powder-coated frames that match your joinery disappear visually. White screens on charcoal frames look aftermarket forever.
We’ve worked on everything from Thesen Islands penthouses to Brenton-on-Sea beach cottages, Pezula cliff-top estates to Sedgefield retirement homes. Each one taught us something about what lasts and what fails on this coast.
Duncan has installed hundreds of coastal screens since 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will fine mesh block my view or light
Quality fine mesh preserves brightness and keeps views usable while blocking midges.
Can I clean or replace the mesh
Yes. Modular panels lift out for easy rinsing and professional re meshing.
Do they fit wooden frames
Yes. Screens are custom made for timber, aluminium and uPVC profiles.
Do you cover the whole Garden Route
Yes. Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Wilderness, George, Mossel Bay and surrounds.
Ready for breezy pest free living
Tell us your frame type, location and priorities. We will recommend the right mesh and hardware for your exact conditions.
About Custom Blinds
We have solved Garden Route screening challenges for years from oceanfront patios to lagoon microclimates. Explore insect screens, security screens and outdoor blinds.
