How can I insect-proof this ventilation slot while keeping airflow?

dogfeetguy

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some ideas to insect-proof the ventilation slot above the fixed pane of my older timber window.

The opening is approximately 40 mm high and 870 mm wide. It seems to be an intentional ventilation opening, so I’d like to keep the airflow while preventing insects from getting in.

The first photo shows the top right corner from inside, and the second photo shows the top left corner from outside.

My initial thought was to fit flyscreen mesh, but I’d like the solution to be sturdy, neat and removable so I can easily replace the mesh in the future if needed.

One limitation is that the screen will need to be installed from the outside, as there’s a bathtub directly behind the window that blocks access from inside.

Has anyone done something similar, or can recommend a good way to build or install a removable flyscreen panel for this type of opening? I’m open to DIY-friendly products as well as professional solutions if there’s a better approach.

Thanks in advance!

EricL

Hello @dogfeetguy

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about insect proofing your window.

I suggest making a small insect mesh cover using the following materials:

• Pillar 22mm x 2.5m Mill Flyscreen Frame
• Rolltrak 11 x 25mm Plastic Flyscreen Corner Stake - 4 Pack
• Rolltrak 4.5mm x 6.5m Black Flyscreen Spline
• Cyclone 610mm x 2m Fibreglass Flyscreen - 2m
• Taskmaster 46mm Black Magnetic Door Catch - 3 Pack

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to build a flyscreen frame

My best advice is to double check the size of the opening to make sure that your frame fully covers the window gap. Please note that the corner stake may need to be modified to make such a small frame. Other than that, it should all work out. The purpose of the magnetic door catch is to hold the insect mesh in place. The main magnet is to be installed on the window frame and the metal strips to be glued and screwed onto the insect frame.

I've placed a rendered image using AI to give you an example of what it could look like.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric