by
Randy Deering
| Mar 14, 2017
Have you ever been bitten or stung by a flying or crawling insect? I know that I have, ouch! Once it happens to you, you never want it to happen again! As a youngster I recall visiting the New Jersey shore in the summer where I was introduced to the infamous Green Hoodie (also known as the Greenhead Fly; a species of the biting horse-fly). With their big bright green eyes I still remember these monsters and their fierce, hungry bites. Perhaps you have similar memories caused by these or other horse-flies, the infamous No-See-Ums or other ferocious pests?
Because of pests like these early settlers discovered that they could use leftover Cheesecloth to cover windows to increase air circulation while keeping bugs out. Cheesecloth is a thin and loosely woven cloth used when making and packaging cheese. Although the Cheesecloth idea worked, this material damaged very easily and so it needed to be replaced often.
In America in the mid 1800’s an employee of a Connecticut company that was known for making metal cooking sieves (food strainers), had an inventive idea. The idea was to modify the mesh, paint it and sell the invention as a durable insect screening for windows. Suddenly there was an affordable relief from insects that was effective and durable. People could toss open their windows and enjoy the fresh outdoors without the bugs and the bites! Years later as we came to understand the dangers of flies and disease-carrying insects there were organized community campaigns to help cover windows and protect the people inside. Volunteer groups such as the Boy Scouts were known for their efforts to help communities install and maintain screens.
Today metal screens still exist however fiberglass fabric is most common. Fiberglass insect fabric is affordable, more resistant to denting when pushed or hit and, it offers excellent visibility. There are also retractable screen solutions for just about any door or window. These screens do what the name implies, they retract. Essentially retractable screens roll up into a protective housing, becoming virtually invisible when not in use. When the door or window is opened, the screen extends to protect against flying or crawling insects while still allowing you and your family to enjoy the outside air. When it’s time to close up, the screen retracts back into its housing until it is needed again. Retractable screens also offer other advantages such as enjoying an unobstructed view when the screens are not being used.
Protecting your family against biting, disease carrying insects is important and it is easy to do. Look at the options and choose one that fits your budget and the aesthetic needs of your home. Don’t let the bugs bite!