Maybe I'm missing something, but why are insect screens basically nonexistent in the UK?

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knight-under-stars@reddit

The key word there is "occasional".

Historically it's simply not been big enough of an issue in the UK to warrant the cost.

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Not_Mushroom_@reddit

What do you mean?! OP clearly mentions 2 whole flies entering his domain!

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Llwynog93@reddit

“Mr President, a second fly has entered the house…”

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they are not very expensive and are easy to install and remove. it's a few pieces of very thin wood and some screening stapled on. you make it to fit the window and install it (by literally just jamming it in) when needed and take it out when not.

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knight-under-stars@reddit

...it's simply not big enough of an issue in the UK to warrant doing.

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grimaces111111@reddit

Because I imagine they're more common in places where bugs like mosquitos are more pervasive, which they just aren't here, a couple of flies in my house isn't enough of an excuse to modify my doors/windows

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rikkiprince@reddit

Sure, not worth modifying, but why don't new homes and new windows come with screens, or at least the to fit them?

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4BennyBlanco4@reddit

Moths are the big problem in the UK though, opening a window on a hot summers night is a disaster. Screens would solve this.

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Hythy@reddit

I can't even find where to get a descent screen to fit to my windows. I've had moth infestations before and it ruined all my favourite clothes.

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HatOfFlavour@reddit

Bingo, the only houses I've known them in the UK was some expensive, middle of nowhere, would never get a pizza delivered to it, house surrounded by it's own land and woods. They had meshes against horseflies who supposedly bite bad enough to make horses rear.

The other house was owned by an American from the South who was freaked out by any flying bug.

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Acceptable-Sentence@reddit

Horsefly bites are painful! Had a couple

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scottgal2@reddit

We call them clegs in Scotland, the midges rarer, more aggressive brother. I NEVER get midge bites (or don't react to them) but clegs are a red welt every time.

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herpaderpa123217372@reddit

There's multiple species of horsefly. Clegs are specific species. All clegs are horseflies but not all horseflies are clegs

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Felineincognito15@reddit

My parents were bitten years apart, both needed medical attention and antibiotics. My father was off work and pretty unwell.

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Still-BangingYourMum@reddit

Did you bite them back, to teach them a lesson to not do it again

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McDirtywizard@reddit

If you flick them they explode. It's cathartic.

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LahmiaTheVampire@reddit

Feeding them to spiders is more fun though.

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laughinggrvy@reddit

I was hoping someone would reference that video.

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Classic-Wafer-7838@reddit

They are awful! When I lived in Germany it seemed like they were everywhere in the summer. Since being back in the UK I've thankfully only ever been bitten by one once, but it was on the back of my leg and my knee swelled up like a grapefruit.

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Head-Helicopter-5107@reddit

Supposedly? Let me tell you, a horse fly once bit my lip, that thing looked like it’d took 200mg of filler for the next fortnight. I screamed like a little girl and ran all the way home.

There is no “supposedly” about it. Those things should be wiped off the map. They are terrorsome, scissor mouthed angry looking animals that will have you succumbing in fear of the pain about to come before they slice and dice away at your skin and dine away in a pool of blood

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someguyhaunter@reddit

I work in a woodland with lots of ponds (where horseflies end to live) and they are awful.

They are silent flyers and their bite isn't actually that painful if you feel it at all, sometimes you just feel a little sensation but it leaves enough of a mark to make you bleed.

The worst part for sure is the itching/ swelling.

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abyssal-isopod86@reddit

"supposedly"

No, they DO.

It fucking HURTS.

I speak from experience.

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phatboi23@reddit

a couple of flies in my house isn't enough of an excuse to modify my doors/windows

b&m do stick on ones for doors that have magnets in the middle so you can get in and out.

easy to get some netting and tape them over a window.

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ManateeNipples@reddit

What about bees and wasps and other bugs that bite? We have other things that bite or sting in the US, like assassin bugs and sometimes nasty spiders depending where you live. It's def not just mosquitos 😬

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audigex@reddit

I've never heard of a wasp or bee "bite"? They do sting, but most people have had about 2 bee/wasp stings in their life and usually outside not in their home

It's very rare to get bitten by an assassin bug or spider in the UK - and none of our spiders are venomous

I get bitten by insects sometimes if I go walking in the countryside, and VERY occasionally in my home or garden - but it's not common unless you're out in nature

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ColbysRevenge@reddit

Wasps will bite and sting

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someguyhaunter@reddit

You get the odd mosquito if you are near the country side. The odd wasp or bee but unless allergic their sting is hardly worse than a nettle sting, in fact I've had worse nettle stings.

However the worst is the horse fly, but like mosquitos they mainly live in woods near water so most people rarely even encounter them, they don't really hurt but their bite is dirty and can cause a decent bit swelling and itchiness more often than not, they are also silent by design. However very few people live near horse fly hot spots.

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tcpukl@reddit

I've never ever heard of being stung in a house. Only outside. It's very rare.

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mynameisdamn@reddit

Only mozzies bite here generally, everything else just buzzes around and irritates

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ManateeNipples@reddit

Really?! That sounds amazing lol

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lynziB@reddit

I used to think that, I can be a light sleeper sometimes and kept my bedroom door closed….I used to go all ninja when I heard bzzzzz right by my ear, early on in the morning, it drove me crazy….it wasn’t just one bzzzzzz…NOO!!!! It was multiple!!!

I used to keep my back door open all day when it was nice……I really, really despise flys..

I got one of those fabrics screens for my door and it was great!!!😁

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ciaran668@reddit

Having lived in the US, and experiencing the joys of having an essentially fly free house, I'm trying to figure out how to modify my windows to have fly screens. Maybe I got spoiled over there, but it is really nice.

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Cow_Launcher@reddit

I actually made some from timber, angle brackets and that fine-mesh green netting you can get from B&Q or Wickes or whatever. Attached in place with velcro strips.

Thing is, I didn't make them to keep out bugs; I made them to stop my kittens from going out onto the outside windowsill and giving me a heart attack!

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PostModernistTrash@reddit

Yep. Mine were also for the sake of the cats. But I bought some custom fit ones with the sticky and velcro bits, with zip openings. Easy for the side of the house where the windows open outwards... but on the other side, it's the reverse, because... reasons...

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WhiteKnightAlpha@reddit

I've seen screens in B&Q and a few similar places. I haven't tried them myself but I assume you can probably just buy off-the-shelf screens for your window type without needing to modify anything. They aren't banned or unknown, just not used that widely.

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blagger89@reddit

I live on the edge of some woods and bought these - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D66P2FCM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 to keep bugs out. works well enough and even can fit my aircon box thing hose out the zip. every month or so i go round and check they're still in place and not had any issues with them.

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DenM0ther@reddit

The mozzies in the uk are called knots (if I remember correctly) and their bites last for many days. The bites if mozzies here (Aus) can carry all sorts of nastiest if you’re in particular areas, but they don’t last days like the ik ones!

Im with op on this!

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Serious_Badger_4145@reddit

Yeah I've always imagined it's cause the bugs here dont really do anything do you. Theyre not carrying a health risk they're just annoying

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danddersson@reddit

Also, they GREATLY reduce the air flow, particularly on warm, muggy days and nights when there is not much of a breeze anyway. Screens can reduce airflow by 70+% under those conditions. And it would still be well over 50% when there is a decent breeze.

I would rather have a few non--biting flies.

Biting, buzzing mosquitoes, however....

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Spanner1993@reddit

I can open the windows on the north and south side of my house and its like a wind tunnel, forced fresh air on demand. Id face the wrath of a plague before I give that up

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Williamishere69@reddit

The only downside to this is that if you have ANY doors that are event slightly lighter than a fire door... they SLAM shut. The UK version of gunshots, that shit is so loud

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Tattycakes@reddit

Oh god, when you open the back door and you didn’t realise someone has the front door open at the same time

BANG

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Salt_Bison7839@reddit

Haha I hadn't thought about this since I was a kid. Thank you 😊

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Spanner1993@reddit

Yes, I've two internal doors which are mainly glass and im terrified they shatter one day. I prop them open in the summer but the kids always moving the doorstops and BAAAANNGG

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Chungaroo22@reddit

I find the screens more annoying than the insects tbh. If those insects carried dreadful diseases then I’d probably change my mind.

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Theresanrrrrrr@reddit

I just like your name.

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Spanner1993@reddit

Yep, got it in one

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I_will_never_reply@reddit

An open UK house gets the odd fly or bee / wasp, but it's not remotely worth the hassle of another item over the doors or windows the other 350 days of the year

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Kimbo-BS@reddit

Because "nice weather" hasn't caught on yet

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CthulhusEvilTwin@reddit

We tried it in 1976. It wasn't for us.

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Fragrant_Kick_6093@reddit

I remember that. We even appointed a minister specifically charged with stopping it.

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SarkyMs@reddit

For once the weather was nice but I still couldn't have a paddling pool birthday party, I will never forget that.

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CthulhusEvilTwin@reddit

I was in Cornwall on a motor caravanning holiday with my parents and grandparents. My dad fell asleep on a sunlounger, not taking into account the tide was coming in...so we left him there and had a laugh as he woke up surrounded by the sea. That was my grandad's idea - he never really liked my dad.

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cat_among_wolves@reddit

i have one as i hate flies. £30 from amazon. magnetic centre closure so the dog can come and go

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HealthyWhereas3982@reddit

Wonder if it's because our windows usually open outwards, making it harder to fit insect screens? Agree, would be great to have in the kitchen.

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dobber72@reddit

That would make it easier to fit insect screens as they go on the inside.

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CheeryBottom@reddit

But then you’re constantly having to pull away your insect screen to be able to open and close your windows. In our military quarter in Germany, our windows opened inwards. When we had our insect screen on the outside of our windows, we could access our windows without getting in the way of our insect screen.

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onionsareawful@reddit

inward opening windows also allow for window shutters, something you also don't see in the UK (though would be useful given current weather)

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HealthyWhereas3982@reddit

I would find it hard to open my window with a screen in the way of the handle though? How are the screens attached? Are they easily moveable?

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dobber72@reddit

Mine are magnetic, easy peasey to peel open, out hand through, open window.

There are some with plastic frame with a hinge, you open them inward slightly, open window, hinge closed.

All very easy to fit without damaging the frame and can be easily removed.

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HealthyWhereas3982@reddit

Ah, thanks :-) might look into getting one!

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Natural_Bet6685@reddit

I live on a Dutch cruiser in the UK, and i have fly screens on all the portholes and screens you can pull down on the main doors. it's a blessing. No flies for me. But yes, houses don't have them here for some reason.

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Bread_is_the_devil@reddit

I have indoor cats so I bought Velcro mesh screens a few years ago to stop them getting out, they have the added bonus of stopping insects getting in during the summer. When people living near me say about how bad the bugs have been during summer I am totally oblivious, also stops the cats smashing the house to pieces chasing flies about

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soundman32@reddit

Unless you are in Scotland (midges), historically we dont really have a huge problem with insects because we are further north than most. Now, with climate change, that is happening, but its still not a huge issue for most.

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Acquilas@reddit

I grew up in Cawdor near Inverness and man, the midges near the water were awful I recently did a roadtrip around Scotland and while stopped at Ullapool, I was reminded of just how awful the swarms of midges are.

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lilidragonfly@reddit

Poor Macbeth must have always been getting bit huh

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neilm1000@reddit

That's why the witches always met in thunder, lightning, or in rain when they went to the heath.

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lady_faust@reddit

Or maybe why Mrs Macbeth had an issue washing out those damn spots on their clothes

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Szabo84@reddit

So it was insects that caused Lady Macbeth’s insomnia

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neilm1000@reddit

She was just too full of the milk of human kindness.

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AubergineParm@reddit

One of my Scotland holiday memories will always be slowly traversing a rope bridge in glencoe while getting swarmed by midges, watching my hands turn black and there being nothing I could do about it without letting go of the ropes

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Intruder313@reddit

On my last visit to The Small Isles a couple of friends were eaten alive by midges. I seem to be 'immune'.
We had tried to buy some Skin So Soft before going but the local regiment had just cleared out the local stocks.

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asmiggs@reddit

Historically there were more bugs, in the 90s when we went on road trips my Dad's windscreen would covered in the remains of insects, we'd get bees in the car, all sorts of bug related stuff went down. I don't remember seeing any of that today, the country is ecologically dead and we're only just getting a handle on that now.

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Digital-Sushi@reddit

This is a genuine way to determine insect population

Back in 2021 there was the bug splat campaign, drivers were asked to use an app to report how many bugs had splatted on their car number plate after a long drive.

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asmiggs@reddit

It's still going

https://www.buglife.org.uk/get-involved/surveys/bugs-matter/

It's getting worse

https://buglife.b-cdn.net/app/uploads/downloads/Bugs-Matter-2025-Summary.pdf

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odkfn@reddit

TBH I have always lived in places with midges and they don’t try get in the house either - they float about in swarms in the woods or halfway down your garden but that seemed to be it

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HenryHarryLarry@reddit

Yeah I leave my windows open all day sometimes and you might get the odd one that comes in. But generally the garden can be overrun and they seem to stay outside. Camping is a different story though so there’s something going on with actual dwellings that they don’t like.

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Lanthanidedeposit@reddit

I have a large tent, a lavuu, and midges tend to stay outside.

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HenryHarryLarry@reddit

Interesting. Our tent is tiny, the kind that fits two people and you can’t sit up in. And it’s game over if you leave it unzipped.

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Lanthanidedeposit@reddit

Same with our small tent.

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Background-Device-36@reddit

The west highland midge is far more aggressive than the ones you get elsewhere. There has been so much deforestation over the centuries that the ground is wet everywhere and it's the perfect environment for them.

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Tay74@reddit

Even then "Scotland" is much too vague. Unless you live near a water source or a wetland, midges are rarely a problem in houses. Source: I'm Scottish, the biggest problem is the house flies, as I imagine it is with most of the UK

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Able_Ask_4267@reddit

We have midges in N.I as well. I just wish they'd feck off back to Scotland!

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Frodo34x@reddit

The unstoppable force of climate change coming up against the immovable object of manmade biodiversity loss, both competing over whether they get more or fewer bugs.

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onlysmaller@reddit

Yeah it was never a consideration when I was younger (south east coast) but when we bought our home in 2024 we found tons of flies coming in and just hanging out. We are doors open kinda people I love decent air flow after living in a basement flat with windows on one side of the building only. So we’ve put up cheap nets over the doors. In the winter we take them down.

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SnowflakeBaube22@reddit

I kinda wish we did because I spend the summer boiling in my full house sauna because I’m too afraid a wasp is gonna fly in if I open any window for more than 3 seconds.

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CandyCertain4719@reddit

I bought magnet window screens. Just need to lift the corner to open or close the windows. No flies, no spiders. Best investment I made.

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worldworn@reddit

I just bought one online, sticks in with velcro and has a series of magnets to hold the centre closed.

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ams3000@reddit

Can you link to the one you bought please? Currently in the market as we have lots of wasps and flies in the summer coming in when all the bifold doors are open.

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Immediate_Divide9446@reddit

Yup, that’s what I’ve got on my kitchen door. Works really well.

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PacoRUK@reddit

Am I going crazy or was this post not already on here word for word a few months back?

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Pizzagoessplat@reddit

Like the rest of Europe?

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BatteryAt14percent@reddit

I make my own. I live in a rural town. We get lots of bugs and massive spiders. No thanks.

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AvatarIII@reddit

You're complaining about a couple of flies, the countries where screens are commonplace they are not worried about a couple of flies.

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Intruder313@reddit

Growing up my dad made a mesh door for the back door (after the tacky coloured ribbon door fell down). It got dirty then ripped while cleaning.

Now people just don't mind. I rescue 3 tiny moths per day at the mo.

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Taramafor@reddit

Step 1: Open window.

Step 2: End up with cat.

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Fit-Bedroom-7645@reddit

The real question is why haven't you fitted some? And extrapolate that answer to the rest of the country.

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Calculonx@reddit

Because the windows have the latch on them so you need access. Windows with screens have a handle under the window.

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Key-Seaworthiness227@reddit

You buy the netting and fix it yourself? It’s not common but readily available and I wouldn’t say it’s uncommon. All my windows I have netting fitted to keep flies out and pets in.

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Potatusha@reddit

I think partly due to the design of UPVC windows making them inconvenient. The windows open outwards, the handles on the inside also clash with a screen on the inside. I live near a small patch of woodland and get invaded by moths and alsorts of bugs so I bought a removable screen and it's annoying having to move it when I want to close the window, especially if you have blinds and curtains. If someone came up with a sliding screen similiar to those framed fitted UPVC window blinds, like a frame fitted to the window frame with a screen that slides up and down.. they'd sell very well. I get tortured by moths and I've thought a lot about this xD

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opaqueentity@reddit

We used to have more people choosing to put up the plastic strips up. It’s what you used to have in butchers till the 80’s at least as well. It’s just not worth it for most of the year is the simple answer.

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SYSTEM-J@reddit

Yes, my Mum used to hang one of those on the kitchen door in the '90s. They were undermined somewhat by their tendency to come unstuck and collapse if you so much as brushed against them.

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opaqueentity@reddit

Or if it’s really windy and it just lets them in anyway

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bubblechog@reddit

I just bought one of these for the back door because my American husband acts like it’s the start of the apocalypse if a fly gets in the house.

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neilm1000@reddit

My local butchers had one of the chain ones.

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Swansboy@reddit

They are in Uk unfortunately not everyone has them. I have one in my bedroom. Where i live with my parents due to budget reasons. My mother wanted one but my window is permanent wedge open. Can only be close if remove screen entirely. As it keep peeling off over time. I think of getting duct to window stil so if this one fails second one is still there. Unfortunately not stronger American type.

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Think_Money_6919@reddit

Same reason we don’t have widespread air conditioning, this country is resistant to change as you can see by the responses. Our windows also open outwards for some reason, which makes them more difficult to install.

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annedroiid@reddit

Historically it wasn't warm enough for long enough periods to get one. Why both with the expense when you might open your windows for at most a few weeks a year?

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GreyStagg@reddit

I must be living in a parallel UK. I've had insect nets on my windows for years. Which UK are you all living in?

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blurfin_sploofers@reddit

Because windows open outwards so you can’t put them on without spending serious amounts of money on some bespoke solution. Either way it needs to be removed to open and close the window.

Where I am from originally, windows open into the room, so you can install net very easily on the outer side of the window and it just stays there.

I am struggling to do something for cats rather than mosquitoes - and can’t find much besides solution of £200+ per window opening.

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anothermanwithaplan@reddit

I don’t want to ruin what we have going but it’s not that bad here with insects compared to a lot of other countries. You can of course order online, but you’re right they’re not as widely available in the shops or built in standard.

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EmFan1999@reddit

We don’t have any insects left. Pesticides and intensive farming have destroyed their habitat. Eat organic

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OkContribution6454@reddit

Theyre not. We have them. The magnetic ones from amazon, and they are a godsend.

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Junior_Fall_2032@reddit

I like to have my sash windows open in the summer and was getting fed up with flies/wasps in the house so I just bought a screen you can put in when you want and remove when you don’t.

If it’s annoying you, then get a screen…

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Gullible-Lie2494@reddit

Ive got a small home made one in my bathroom. I had black aphids attack my maiden hair ferns...

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AKHT12@reddit

We don't need no ventilation, We don't need no bug control

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suckingalemon@reddit

All in all it’s just another bug in the wall.

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CheeryBottom@reddit

Hey exterminator, leave those bugs alone!

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mmoonbelly@reddit

All and all it’s just a ‘nother, bite on the arm….

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FraGough@reddit

There is a body part that rhymes with wall, just saying. At least for some of us.

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mmoonbelly@reddit

True, kilt-wearers and midges coexist

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Proper_Instruction67@reddit

I can only answer for myself, but the only reason we don't have any is because the windows open to the outside. So if we would put up any, we wouldnt be able to open/close the window. Custom removable insect screens are too expensive for us to afford right now and I don't have the time, energy and tools to make them myself

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SeoulGalmegi@reddit

I'm on he other side - living in a country which has them (and probably needs them!) and I hate it. I want to open the windows properly and not have that crap in the way. It doesn't really feel like opening the windows.

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ReiReiWood@reddit

Isnt really a need to spend the money on the built in ones and if they are enough of an issue for you there is always the material ones you can put up, its what I have and they work great.

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GardenDuck88@reddit

OMG it took me YEARS to get used to not having screens on my doors and windows when I moved to the UK.

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terryjuicelawson@reddit

Sometimes a fly comes in and gets stuck, one of those fat bluebottle type things. I have never thought about screening off my entire house to omit this possibilty though.

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Suspicious_Clerk7202@reddit

I think the combination of mild summers and fewer disease-carrying insects made them seem unnecessary historically, but as temperatures rise, we’re probably all going to start retrofitting them just like everyone else already has.

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audigex@reddit

I think you answered your own question... we get a couple of harmless flies, for a few weeks a year

Most people just aren't that arsed about an occasional bluebottle or cranefly, they do no harm unless you have food out for them to sit on and spread germs to

If we had more biting insects, more diseases that they carried, or if we regularly had swarms of them coming into our homes, we'd see more insect screens... but with the amount and type of insect we get, I'd find the screens more annoying than the flies

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Fraggle_ninja@reddit

I dont recall as much but older people discuss how bugs on the windshield was waaaaaaay more common and the theory is pesticides have wiped a lot out. Could be a conspiracy theory tho

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Rubostars@reddit

Yeah, same with blinders on the windows. Every summer I have to try to sleep with sun and daylight from like 5am. I've been told silly answers like "it's not sunny here like in Spain" etc. but in Spain is never daylight at 5am. Then you just cross the Channel to Calais and windows have blinders there. I guess it's the same with insect screens, another mystery

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TedBurns-3@reddit

There doesn't need to be a historical reason, it's just not the climate that requires it which is obvious from the lack of screens across the country!

Don't worry, we're not missing a trick- if we wanted them, we'd install them.

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GuideRevolutionary95@reddit

Have you tried to get them installed? You can't.

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TedBurns-3@reddit

Um... I can... and I did thanks

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GuideRevolutionary95@reddit

You had a full size screen door fitted to your, e.g., back door? And on your windows that open outwards with a large handle on the inside?

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TedBurns-3@reddit

Yessir, it's really not rocket science...

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GuideRevolutionary95@reddit

I have tried multiple companies that have either said they will not do it at all, or have looked at photos of our house and said that it is not possible. This has also been the experience of literally everyone (n\~ 10) I have spoken to who has tried to get screens fitted to their houses in the UK. That is, no one has been able to do it. And, frankly, I doubt that you are telling the truth, partly because you said the climate doesn't require it and also "if we wanted them, we'd install them", rather than, "we wanted them and installed them".

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TedBurns-3@reddit

Quite frankly I couldn't give a toss if you believe me or not, I've got them and more than happy with them.

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Original-Material301@reddit

Last year I got some magnetic screens that I cut down to size of my window and just stuck them on.

Doesn't look pretty but it works for me. Didn't impact air flow all that much

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AnalCreamCake@reddit

My house has livestock in the fields close by we we can get inundated with flies if the weather is right. I bought made to measure fly screens from amazon for my bifold doors and they work a treat. People have always used those door fly screens that you hang, with the vertical ribbons.

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Sweaty_Ear_9247@reddit

I bought a couple of big sheets of fibreglass screen mesh from amazon. Purchased some of those £2 - £4 springy window rods from The Range to fit in my door ways, attached the mesh and done. Cheapo door screens. I'm old fashioned so have hanging nets behind my smaller windows which keeps the flies out. If I didn't, then I'd make window fly screens out of the mesh and AB magnet tape.

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LilacRose32@reddit

They make it darker inside and only prevent 3 flies, 2 bees and a ladybird each year.

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neilm1000@reddit

The mesh ones don't make it darker.

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bubblechog@reddit

Yes they absolutely do.

Source - just moved back to UK from 15 years living in the USA with mesh screens.

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neilm1000@reddit

I've got mesh screens and they make no difference. Admittedly what I've got are window screens for cats but it's the same stuff. One of the selling points is that don't reduce the light. This is the stuff: https://amzn.eu/d/0eqCrAa8

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Serious_Badger_4145@reddit

"One of the selling points is that don't reduce the light"

That's because most of them do

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neilm1000@reddit

They don't: I meant all of them. I've had them both here in the UK and when I lived overseas and had no issue. Same as net curtains: they diffuse light but they don't make it darker. Ditto mosquito nets.

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TinyDemon000@reddit

We have them on nearly all older houses in Australia and they absolutely do not make it darker.

The reinforced door screen add a great extra layer of protection to the house meaning you can have your doors open to catch a breeze through but have the screens locked and bugs don't get in.

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JavaRuby2000@reddit

Because in the UK you might get a couple of blue bottles in summer and that's it. Other countries you will get massive swarms of fruit flies or mosquitoes.
I realise this isn't the same for the whole of the UK and some places are worse (Scotland for midges for example) but, the majority of the UK it just isn't needed.

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geeksandlies@reddit

We have them as we live in the fens in the middle of a farm, endless bugs everywhere, whole swarms are regular occurrences and late June to mid July is Thrips season where they all hatch from the crops opening up.

Also to the people on here saying how they stop airflow and light, lol yeah whatever!

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kjus13@reddit

Because windows in the UK stupidly open outwards?

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axolotol@reddit

You have bugs coming in.... Laughs in Australian. Just get some hanging fly paper for your 2 flies and she'll be right.

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Legitimate_Put_7421@reddit (OP)

: )

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gambiting@reddit

I'm in the UK and I have them on our windows. And they are the type that opens to the outside too - it's just a magnetic screen that sticks around the window. Not seen a single spider or mosquito in this house since we installed them.

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cold_tap_hot_brew@reddit

A couple of flies on a couple of days do not make it worth putting flimsy screens on windows that get battered by gale force winds on the regular.

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TwoPlyDreams@reddit

Because that couple of flies are the only breeding pair left thanks to neonicotinoids.

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Ahleanna-D@reddit

I mean… if you really wanted to, you could probably get a pull-down fly screen that works a bit like a blind?

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l2175@reddit

Is it to do with the fact most of our windows open outwards? Harder to open windows if there's a screen in front?

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oldmanskank@reddit

Easy thing to order from Amazon

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vrekais@reddit

We don't have bugs coming in that are frustrating enough to make up for having to view the outside through a dirty bug screen all the time.

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North-Lobster499@reddit

The historical reason is that they aren't need here. Our climate so far has meant that flying insects are really not a massive issue apart from some locailsed areas - such as for midges etc.
Screens are used in professional kitchens but apart from that we like the air flow, because as you will also have noticed - air con is also not in every home.
Screens are available though - you do you.

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AyanaRei@reddit

I have one to stop my budgies flying out of the room when I have the windows open. I love the safety it provides.

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tidygrant@reddit

Eww how common

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Laylelo@reddit

I had one on my door when I moved in but I got rid of it because it’s pointless. The lady who lived here before me was scared of spiders which is why it was there. My cat just eats them.

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Bubbly-Weakness-4788@reddit

I have a net up to keep flies out. My neighbour does too.

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gemignani@reddit

I add a screen when I open windows in the summer for long period of time, it is just a mesh that sticks to the rim. A bit of an eye sore, but does the job

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Alouema2@reddit

We've killed most of the insects so they're not really needed. Put a voile up.

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fothergillfuckup@reddit

For 2 weeks nice weather a year? Hardly seems worth it.

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CompleteWhittle@reddit

I had to have a bug net specially made to fit my weird patio doors, its just held on with velcro, the same with the back door but I just bought one from amazon. I have them because I live in Kent, there's a lot of insects where I am including mozzies!

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Pixiebel81@reddit

Pretty much every window opens outward, I'm not sure how you'd be able to open them if they had screens?

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LaurenNotABot@reddit

I really wish I could get some decent window screens!
We love backing on to woodland and every year me and my daughter get absolutely eaten alive!

They don’t touch my husband because obviously he tastes bad ..
have tried all the bug repellent, plug ins, citronella .. nowt works

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Sc4rl3ttD@reddit

I just use a voile panel or whatever they’re called, by the back door.

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mmoonbelly@reddit

The uk has sash windows that are designed to open from the top and the bottom for air circulation.

No one’s thought to find an easy way of fitting screens.

I’m in France and our windows here are large full frame windows, and we have our screens as pull-down fitted into the full window frame.

Trying to do the same with a sash window would be far more complicated.

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SpaTowner@reddit

You said yourself that the airborne houseguests are occasional. It’s a cost benefit analysis, there aren’t enough flying insects invading to motivate most people to invest in anything more than a fly-swatter.

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Bloatville@reddit

A lot of us have net curtains, which do an ok job at keeping most insects out

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Theresanrrrrrr@reddit

I just like your name.

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TheNotSpecialOne@reddit

I may have the odd fly in the house but I can count the days it happens on one hand. Very rarely happens

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AmInATizzy@reddit

I made my own after we got large bifold doors in kitchen.

I got fed up of swarms of insects in skylights, having telescopic nets to rescue bees, constant dropping dead flies. So i ordered fibreglass mesh from amazon, sew on velcro and got experimenting.

Absolutely brilliant use of my time (plus a lot of swearing and frustration)

I now need to replace some, and need to work out best way to remove the old adhesive. But they were had a huge benefit, and i did more for other windows to stop moths and mosquitoes. Added benefit of preventing the cats from falling out upstairs windows.

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CuriTali@reddit

Aye, after living in SEA (Thailand) for about 5 years, then returning to the UK, I didn't realise how handy they were.

Ive since fitted them to my back door which I often leave open during the summer, absolute godsend. Also got some temporary ones I tack to the window frames downstairs where I often have them open too to create a bit of a breeze through the house.

Why they aren't commonplace is beyond me, with all the flies, bees, wasps etc we get they're so so good.

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rumbugger@reddit

We have a field that borders our property and sometimes has sheep in, so there's an awful lot of flies during summer. I contacted the only company I could find within a 50 mile radius that do screen doors and gave them measurements. They quoted nearly £1200 which was more than the back door itself so didn't bother with it.

My parents live in Germany and had two bespoke screen doors made for about half that price!

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General-Bumblebee180@reddit

we're surrounded by sheep too and the flies can be brutal. I say flies should be the national bird of Wales

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Fantastic_Back3191@reddit

In fly paper we trust.

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Jonny_rhodes@reddit

You can get a kit in many shops that’s a mesh fabric then velcros onto top frame, cheap and effective. If you want more expensive there is the same fabric in frames that go in the window, and the more you’re willing to pay the nicer they are

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Sea_Pomegranate8229@reddit

Keep your house clean and the bugs go elsewhere.

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VincentVan_Dough@reddit

Not enough bugs to warrant the cost. Too cold to have windows and doors open for 10 months of the year. Ugly as fuck. I was born and bred in Singapore and we have heat all year round, mosquitoes and bugs but we no screens either. Because they’re sooooo ugly.

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Accomplished_Fan_487@reddit

Lidl occasionally sells them.

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Rosetti@reddit

I would love insect screens - in the past I've tried to MacGyver them, but they've always been a faff.

Alas, I've made do with one of those electric fly swatter tennis racket things.

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notaspecificthing@reddit

Standard homes have privacy netting in the windows, they're usually good at keeping insects out

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IndigoQuantum@reddit

The 1970s called and want their net curtains back

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Fatbloke-66@reddit

Hey! don't diss the voile.

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PM_ME_VEG_PICS@reddit

Net curtains are very retro!

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dobber72@reddit

What a way to find out that my house is not a standard home.

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Plastic_Length8618@reddit

It’s mostly because we don’t get so many mosquitoes, so people don’t generally see the need for them as much.

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agingbiker@reddit

historically. We get (north London) massive tiger mossies now that cause really painful bites. going to look for the screens mentioned above for summer.

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FeralSquirrels@reddit

why are insect screens basically nonexistent in the UK?

Was there some historical reason they never caught on here

In plenty of countries, window screens are just standard.

Probably because unlike countries with warmer climates, the UK historically hasn't had a problem with insects through enough of the year to justify them.

It isn't like Australia or other countries where lots of places have insect nets with hatches at windows or screen doors etc

I'm dual nationality and lived in Aus for 13 years, the rest in the UK - it's really not rocket science, the UK just plain hasn't got the same insect levels as other countries have and it's noticeable.

Sure it's been building and becoming more prevalent now - but then it's the same reason why someone may ask "why are UK houses so shit in Summer": it's because historically the UK was colder than it is now.

Being fair as well most people simply aren't going to part with what it costs to install a permanent solution, most prefer a temporary magnetic net or whatnot and clearly you won't see those on most houses or have them left over if someone moves.

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arashi256@reddit

I have my windows open most of the summer and the back door and I have rarely had enough insects inside the house to consider it enough of an issue to invest in screens. I just don't consider it a problem.

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ICantBelieveItsNotEC@reddit

Most British houses are built like Swiss cheese. You put up mesh screens in the windows and they'll find a way in through the crawlspace, air vents, loft, etc.

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Easy-Bandicoot9408@reddit

Never understood that either. We have them fitted. We like having windows open throughout the year (which is most certainly not a standard here either). You don’t need hordes of mosquitos to merit a screen. Flies, crane flies, spiders, wasps, midges are aplenty. But then we seem to be allergic to altering our ways and adapting improved quality of life solutions in many aspects. The whole property industry seems to be stuck in the past. Shitty windows, shitty doors, lack of proper ventilation systems and modern drainage, the list is long. Travelling opens eyes, that’s for sure lol.

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Sensitive-Seal-3779@reddit

I think they would be great, I was outside a couple of weeks ago spraying my window frames with spider repellent, giant big house spider ran inside. Worst, possible outcome.

I will not be alone in wanting creepy crawlies, spiders and flies staying outside

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duthinkhesaurus@reddit

cause none of the cool kids are doing it yet.

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Terrible_Win_5540@reddit

I have them along with complete black out blinds! Game changer! Totally reccomend!

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stellardecay@reddit

We've got FlatCats window screens (panels that stick to the inside frame) to make sure the furballs stay inside and they've been great, far fewer nights being kept awake by annoying midges or moths that want to divebomb my face.

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intothedepthsofhell@reddit

We've never had screens on windows, but back in the 70s almost everyone had a screen of multi-coloured strips of PVC that hung down across your back door to keep bugs out. I assume they were just a pita and that's why they died out.

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Groovy66@reddit

Upvoted for the memory but confused about the pita reference

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neilm1000@reddit

Pain In The Ass.

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Little_Pink@reddit

*arse

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Groovy66@reddit

Potato potarto haha

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Groovy66@reddit

Cheers for the info

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Primary-Angle4008@reddit

I have an insect screen on my bedroom window. I installed it 2 years ago when some wasps decided to put up a nest next to my window so we can live peacefully side by side

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CheeryBottom@reddit

Is it because English/british windows open outward? In Germany we had insect screens on our windows but our windows opened inwards which didn’t obstruct the insect screen and didn’t prevent you from being able to open and close your windows.

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SomeCanDance@reddit

Not that many insects really

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PARFT@reddit

why not get yourself some

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dope567fum@reddit

If you want one get one

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No_Step8958@reddit

For some of us it’s not about a few flies getting in. I’m a magnet for biting insects so would really appreciate it if there were insect screens on at least one downstairs room, back door & two bedrooms! Years ago we got a kit to make some screens for the bedroom windows, they were difficult to construct - to get the mesh suitably taut - but they’ve have been fairly successful. Proper, purpose built insect screened windows would be wonderful.

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jumpingdiscs@reddit

We don't get that many bugs indoors

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Not-on_my_watch@reddit

I used to put a screen on my back door because my old dog used to quite like trying to eat the spicy flying jelly beans and vets fees are breathtaking. My remaining boy has more discerning tastes so I won't bother this year.

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Kinbear@reddit

Can you still get 'fly paper'?
I remenber my brother when we were little climbing onto the kitchen countertop, and getting it stuck in his hair, and having to be cut out of it. 😃

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missuseme@reddit

I think what others have said is part of it. But I think how non-standard our windows are plays a part too. That might be changing a bit with UPVC windows but anything built before the variety of windows type and how they operate is huge.

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Individual-Cut-5582@reddit

You can buy window nets and door nets from Amazon, b n m and other places they start coming into the shops from this month as the months get warmer, we have a door one which is easy for the dog to get in and out!

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laser_spanner@reddit

You answered your own question. "A couple of flies"

Not a hoard of mosquitos. A couple of flies. It's just not really worth it for the few bugs that do make it inside your home.

This country doesn't really suffer from a bug problem in that respect so it is never going to be a standard fitting in your house. If we do get an increase it's for a month or so and then they're gone again.

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Snatchematician@reddit

Horde

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blanketred4@reddit

Basically none of the insects here are dangerous. In many of the countries with window screens, you've got mosquitos which can give you malaria or poisonous insects.

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NoEnthusiasm2@reddit

I think it's because most of our insects are basically harmless. Some bite but nothing is going to kill you (unless you're allergic - but that's a different kettle of fish) so most are just a seasonal annoyance. Plus it gives us something else to moan about.

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bitterlemon80@reddit

Because 90% of the time it's bloody freezing!

No seriously, although the weather is part of it we just don't have loads mosquitos and things like some countries. Also our windows open outwards (to stop rain coming in) so screens are harder to fit. I actually do have them because we live in the countryside surrounded by farmland, so it's like an insect party in the bedroom otherwise, but they're a pain in the arse because you have to open them to open the window. My husband is from Sicily and everyone has screens, but you never have to touch them because they are on the outside and the window opens inwards.

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bishibashi@reddit

A couple of flies now and then isn’t enough of a problem to screen every window

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