Holes in your window screens aren't just ugly, they're annoying. Mosquitoes, flies, bees will eventually find their way into your house. Whether you're afraid of West Nile Virus or nasty bites that drive you crazy, a screen with holes is literally an open invitation to flying foes. The good news is that repairing holes in your window screens and even replacing the entire screen is relatively easy and inexpensive—especially compared to the cost and hassle of replacing the entire screen.
If the hole in your screen is between 3/8 of an inch and three inches across, then you will need to patch it.
Screen patches are available at most local home improvement stores (sometimes as part of a screen repair kit), or you can simply cut one of your own using scissors. Make sure that the pattern and mesh match your old screen. As you cut, ensure your piece is at least 1" larger than the hole in all directions.
Unravel a few strands from each side of the patch.
Now, using your fingers or needle nose pliers, weave the ends of the patch into the screen itself. Bend the ends of the patch into place and that's it.
For smaller holes, see Repairing Small Holes in Your Window Screens.
If the hole is larger than three inches but the frame of the screen is still in good shape, you simply need to replace the screen mesh. This process will work for most aluminum frame screens. See Repairing Large Holes in Your Window Screens.
Flies, moths and other flying insects beware: the window screens are no longer a door for you to enter. Enjoy your summer breeze, bug free!
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