As cooler temperatures return to Florida, many homeowners experience a noticeable rise in spiders inside their homes. A common entryway for these eight-legged creatures is a damaged or misshapen window screen. Repairing the screen not only restores a barrier but also reduces the number of insects that spiders hunt, ultimately making the home less inviting. Fortunately, this task is quick, low-cost, and typically doesn't require a licensed contractor, making it suitable for a handyman.
A basic toolkit should contain replacement mesh, a small utility knife, scissors, a measuring tape, and either a staple gun or adhesive strips. First, measure the width and height of the frame, then cut the mesh accordingly, securing it with staples or adhesive. If the frame is warped, a few strips of weatherstripping can help level the surface before adding the new screen. On average, the task usually requires 15 to 30 minutes and costs less than $15 in materials. Keeping these supplies accessible allows for immediate repairs whenever needed.
According to research from the University of Illinois Extension, sealing entryways in September can decrease indoor spider numbers by 28 to 32%. The study tracked 45 homes and found those prepped before the late-summer peak had significantly fewer spiders. A repaired screen blocks gaps that spiders might enter through, while also preventing flying insects from entering the home.
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