How to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Windows

This guide covers practical ways to keep mosquitoes from entering your home through windows, from simple screens to natural repellents. You’ll learn what actually works, how to install and maintain barriers, and what to do when mosquitoes still find a way in.

What You’ll Need

• Window screens (fiberglass or aluminum mesh)
• Screening repair kit or replacement screen material
• Spline roller and spline (rubber cord that holds screen in frame)
• Utility knife or scissors
• Measuring tape
• Window sealant or caulk
• Weatherstripping tape
• Mosquito repellent (citronella, lemongrass, or DEET-based)
• Essential oils (citronella, eucalyptus, lavender)
• Spray bottle
• Fine mesh netting or magnetic screen door

Step-by-Step

1. Inspect your existing screens. Check every window screen for holes, tears, or gaps where the screen meets the frame. Even a tiny rip lets mosquitoes through. Hold the screen up to the light; any pinprick of light is a potential entry point.
2. Repair or replace damaged screens. For small holes (under 1 cm), use a screen repair kit with adhesive patches. For larger tears, remove the old screen by prying out the spline with a flathead screwdriver, lay new screen material over the frame, press the spline in with a spline roller, and trim the excess with a utility knife.
3. Seal gaps around the window frame. Use caulk or sealant to fill any cracks between the window frame and the wall. Check the corners and the bottom edge where the frame meets the sill. Mosquitoes can squeeze through gaps as small as 1.6 mm.
4. Install weatherstripping. Apply self-adhesive weatherstripping tape around the edges of windows that open. This closes the gap between the sash and the frame when the window is closed. Replace weatherstripping that is cracked, brittle, or missing.
5. Use fine mesh netting for unscreened windows. If you have windows without screens, attach fine mesh netting with hook-and-loop tape or thumbtacks. Make sure the netting overlaps the frame by at least 2 inches on all sides. For frequently opened windows, consider a magnetic screen door that parts in the middle and closes automatically.
6. Apply a repellent barrier to the window. Mix 10-15 drops of citronella, eucalyptus, or lemongrass essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray the window frame, sill, and the screen itself. Reapply every few days and after rain. Do not spray near open flames.
7. Install mosquito nets over the outside. For windows that are left open often, hang a mosquito net curtain over the outside of the window. Secure it with hooks or adhesive clips. Ensure the netting reaches the sill and is tucked in so mosquitoes cannot fly underneath.
8. Eliminate standing water near windows. Mosquitoes breed in still water. Check window sills, gutters, plant saucers, and any containers within 10 feet of your windows. Empty and scrub them weekly. Even a bottle cap of water can support larvae.
9. Use a fan near the window. Place a small fan on the windowsill pointing outward. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and cannot fly against a steady breeze. This also helps keep the room cool. Run it during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn).
10. Keep windows closed during peak hours. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If you must open windows during these times, keep the screen in place and avoid leaving the window wide open without a barrier.
11. Use a plug-in repellent near the window. Plug-in devices that emit a mosquito repellent (usually containing allethrin or similar) can create a zone of protection around the window. Place it on the sill or the wall next to the window. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and duration.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring tiny holes. A hole the size of a pinhead is enough for a mosquito. Always inspect screens against a bright light.
• Leaving gaps at the bottom of the screen. Screens that do not sit flush against the sill leave a gap at the bottom. Ensure the screen frame is fully seated in the window track.
• Using the wrong mesh size. Standard window screen mesh (18×16) blocks most insects but not all. For areas with many mosquitoes, use a finer mesh (20×20 or higher).
• Forgetting the gap between the two window sashes. In double-hung windows, the gap where the upper and lower sashes meet is a common entry point. Seal it with weatherstripping or a foam strip.
• Not treating the screen itself. Mosquitoes can bite through screens. Applying repellent to the screen adds a chemical barrier that deters them from lingering.
• Placing repellent plants too far away. Citronella plants only repel mosquitoes within a few feet. Place them directly under or beside the window, not across the yard.

Tips

• Use dark-colored screens. Mosquitoes are attracted to light colors. Dark screens are less visible to them and slightly less attractive.
• Keep outdoor lights off or use yellow bulbs. White and blue lights attract mosquitoes. Yellow “bug lights” or LED warm lights are less attractive. Position outdoor lights away from windows so insects gather elsewhere.
• Trim vegetation near windows. Mosquitoes rest in tall grass and shrubs during the day. Keeping plants trimmed and away from the window reduces the number of mosquitoes near your entry points.
• Use a vinegar spray. A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water sprayed on the window frame deters mosquitoes without toxic chemicals. Reapply after cleaning or rain.
• Install a screen door. If you have a door near your window, a screen door reduces the chance of mosquitoes entering when you open the main door.
• Check screens after storms. High winds can loosen screens or create new tears. Inspect and repair after severe weather.

Troubleshooting

• Mosquitoes still getting in despite intact screens. Check the gap between the window frame and the wall. Use a flashlight to look for light leaks. Seal all gaps with caulk. Also check the weep holes at the bottom of the window frame; these are designed for water drainage but can let insects in. Cover them with fine mesh or a small piece of sponge.
• Screens keep falling out. The spline may be too thin or the frame groove is worn. Replace the spline with a slightly thicker one. If the frame is warped, consider replacing the entire screen.
• Repellent spray washes off. Rain or condensation can remove the essential oil barrier. Reapply more frequently during humid or rainy weather. Consider using a longer-lasting repellent like permethrin on the screen (follow label instructions carefully).
• Magnetic screen doesn’t close fully. The magnets may be weak or the screen may be too heavy. Add extra magnets along the center seam or replace the screen with a lighter mesh.
• Mosquitoes breeding inside the house. If you still see mosquitoes, check for indoor standing water: plant saucers, pet bowls, vases, or the drip tray under the fridge. Empty and clean these weekly.
• Fan blows out but mosquitoes still enter. The fan may be too small or not positioned directly in the opening. Use a box fan that covers the full window width. Ensure there are no gaps around the fan where mosquitoes can slip past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best mesh size for mosquito screens?
A: A 20×20 mesh (20 wires per inch in each direction) blocks most mosquitoes. Standard 18×16 mesh works but allows smaller insects through. For maximum protection, use fiberglass mesh with a 20×20 count.

Q: Can mosquitoes bite through window screens?
A: Yes, some species can bite through thin fiberglass screens if they press their proboscis through the weave. Applying a repellent to the screen or using a finer mesh reduces this risk.

Q: Do citronella candles work near windows?
A: Citronella candles work only within a few feet and in calm air. They can help if placed on the windowsill, but they are not a substitute for screens. The smoke also deters mosquitoes but dissipates quickly.

Q: How often should I replace window screens?
A: Fiberglass screens last 5-10 years; aluminum screens last longer but can dent or corrode. Replace when the mesh is torn, stretched, or has many small holes. Annual inspection before mosquito season is recommended.

Q: Will a fan really keep mosquitoes away?
A: Yes. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and cannot fly in winds above about 5 mph. A fan creating a breeze across the window opening will keep most mosquitoes out. It also disperses the carbon dioxide and body heat that attract them.

Q: Are plug-in repellents safe to use near windows?
A: Most plug-in repellents contain pyrethroids, which are safe for humans and pets when used as directed. Keep them away from water and do not leave them on overnight unless the instructions allow it. Ventilate the room if you notice a strong odor.

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