Flexible Fly Screen for Exterior Mounting

This guide outlines the construction of a flexible fly screen for kitchen windows, suitable for exterior mounting. The goal is to create a simple, removable solution to prevent insects, particularly fruit flies, moths, and wasps, from entering the kitchen.

Materials Needed:

• Soft fly screen gauze (white), pre-sized at 130 cm x 150 cm
• White self-adhesive Velcro tape (hook and loop sides), 2 cm wide and 500 cm long
• Transparent all-weather silicone sealant (100 ml cartridge)
• Scissors

Construction Steps:

1. Attach Hook Velcro to Window Frame: Apply the hook side of the Velcro tape around the entire perimeter of the exterior window frame. Ensure it forms a continuous, closed rectangle for complete insect exclusion. The white tape is discreet on white frames.
2. Attach Loop Velcro: Press the corresponding loop side of the Velcro tape onto the attached hook Velcro, again forming a closed rectangle around the frame.
3. Attach Fly Screen Gauze: Remove the protective backing from the loop Velcro. Carefully press the fly screen gauze onto the adhesive surfaces, working from top to bottom. Apply slight tension to the gauze to ensure it is taut across the entire window. Fold the excess gauze over the adhesive strips two more times and press firmly.
4. Seal Edges with Silicone: To ensure a secure and durable bond, apply the transparent all-weather silicone sealant along all folded edges of the gauze where it meets the Velcro. Spread and work the silicone into the gauze layers to create a robust seal. Allow the silicone to dry completely for several days.
5. Trim Excess Gauze: Once the silicone is fully cured, trim any excess gauze material flush with the edges using scissors. A small marker can be placed on the gauze for easier reattachment later.

Post-Assembly:

The cured silicone provides a flexible and strong bond between the gauze and the Velcro. The fly screen can be securely attached and easily removed when needed, for instance, to use the window as a pass-through. The gauze can be folded for storage and is washable.

This flexible fly screen allows windows to be kept open to ventilate the kitchen without the ingress of insects, providing a more comfortable environment for food preparation.