Woman Uses Lace To Keep Bugs Out Of The House With An Impressive DIY

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Bug screens are indispensable in warm weather, but they're not the most stylish window accessory. Store-bought screens are perfectly fine if you're after minimalist function. However, if you want more decoration and whimsy, there's another option. It's possible to make your own quaint-looking fly screen using a piece of lace fabric.

The right lace is a great fabric for a bug screen. It has a delicate, mesh-like design, which lets air flow through. To prevent bugs from finding their way inside, you'll want to use a fabric that doesn't have large gaps. That way, it can function like a fly screen, which is one of the best methods of pest control management to keep bugs at bay. Instead of a plain mesh, lace has a decorative design that often looks feminine and romantic. This project idea is well-suited for exteriors that benefit from ornate, vintage-inspired details. In particular, those that have a playful feel, like boho, shabby chic, cottagecore, or even some cozy English country-inspired homes. 

To start, fabric type matters when choosing the right lace for this project. Synthetic fabrics tend to dry faster than natural fabrics, so polyester, nylon, or other synthetic materials are ideal. Synthetic lace fabrics are available in a range of colors, so you can choose shades that match your house or traditional black or white for a more subdued appearance. If you're swapping traditional mesh for lace, use the old screens for a DIY like a jewelry holder. 

There are a few ways to bring this project to life. The easiest is to replace the material on a screen frame that you already have. A video from vintagebathtea shows how simple the process is. It involves following the same steps you would use to replace the mesh. 

Start with removing the screen spline, the rubber tracking that holds the mesh in place, and taking out the old screen. If the frame is out of alignment, you can follow the steps to fix bent window screens. Then, you place the lace taut across the frame. Use a product like the Fine Product Supply Store Screen Roller Tool to put the screen spline back in place, which anchors the lace. Lastly, use a sharp utility knife to cut the excess fabric. 

If you don't already have a screen frame, there are a couple of other options. Tutorials like one from SheHoldsDearly show the process to make your own frame out of wood. The lace is then attached to the frame with a staple gun. Regardless of the framing you choose, as a last step, some sealing can help protect the lace from the elements. A water-repellent finish, like Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield Spray can help keep the fabric in better condition in rainy areas.