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How to Keep Mosquitoes Out of My Deck With Screening

In addition to being an itchy annoyance, mosquitoes have killed more people than all the bullets in all the wars. They carry diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever and encephalitis. Screening is a proven and efficient way to protect against mosquitoes and other flying bugs. If you have a screened deck, there are some steps you can take to make it a maximally effective mosquito and insect barrier.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Heavyweight scissors or razor knife
  • Cutting board
  • Roll of screening
  • Staple gun
  • Screen repair kit
  • Spline roller or screen roller
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Instructions

  1. Screen Beneath the Deck

    • 1

      Measure the dimensions of the underside of the deck. Add enough to the measurements to allow a 1 inch overlap where the panels join each other.

    • 2

      Using your scissors or razor knife and cutting board, cut panels of screen from the roll to fit the deck dimensions.

    • 3

      Crawl under the deck with the cut screen and the staple gun. Request a helper to work with you in the crawl space under the deck.

    • 4

      Use the staple gun to install the first cut screen panel under the deck, starting from the farthest edge. Instruct your helper to hold the screen panel taut and straight. Drive staples through the screen into the decking every 2 or 3 inches, working toward the helper.

    • 5

      Install the next screen panel in the same manner, overlapping it 1 inch onto the first panel. Stagger the staples between the staples used in installing the first panel.

    • 6

      Install the remaining panels in the same manner.

    Repair Holes, Tears and Gaps

    • 7

      Inspect the existing screen enclosure for holes or tears. Check for gaps or openings where screens attach to framing.

    • 8

      Repair holes and small tears using a screen repair kit purchased from a home improvement store.

    • 9

      Replace screen panels where holes or tears are too large to be repaired with a kit.

    • 10

      Repair gaping screens by removing the entire framed screen panel and use a spline roller or screen roller to securely install the screen in its frame. For screens attached to wood frames, use the staple gun to secure the screen in place.

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