Keep the tiny bugs out
No-See-Um Screen Installation in Jacksonville, FL
Tighter 20x20 mesh blocks gnats and no-see-ums that standard screen lets through.
Standard 18x14 fiberglass screen stops mosquitoes and larger insects just fine, but Jacksonville's no-see-ums — those nearly invisible biting gnats that show up near marshes, waterways, and shaded yards — are small enough to pass right through the gaps.
No-see-um screen uses a much tighter weave, usually 20x20, to close those gaps. It's a popular upgrade for lanais near wooded lots, the St. Johns River, or the marsh side of Jacksonville's coastal neighborhoods, where regular screen just isn't cutting it in the evenings.
What No-See-Um Screen Is
No-see-um mesh is woven with more strands per inch than standard screen, closing the gaps down enough to keep out biting midges as well as regular insects. It's typically fiberglass, though it's also available in some vinyl-coated and metal versions for extra durability.
Why Jacksonville Homeowners Ask for It
Neighborhoods near marshland, creeks, and wooded retention ponds deal with no-see-um season heavily in warmer months, and standard screen simply doesn't stop them. Homeowners who use their lanai in the evening — for dinner, relaxing, or watching the yard — are the ones who benefit most from making this switch.
The Airflow Trade-Off
The tighter weave that blocks tiny bugs also blocks more air. You'll notice less breeze coming through a no-see-um screened lanai compared to standard mesh, and it can also collect more pollen and dust since less is passing through the gaps. Most homeowners find the trade worth it for evening comfort, but it's worth knowing before committing the whole enclosure to this mesh.
Bug protection
20x20 weave stops biting gnats that standard 18x14 mesh lets through.
Reduced airflow
Expect noticeably less breeze than standard screen, especially on calm days.
More pollen buildup
The tighter weave catches more pollen and dust, meaning more frequent rinsing.
Visibility
Slightly more visible weave lines than standard mesh, though still see-through.
Full Enclosure vs. Partial Installation
Some homeowners install no-see-um mesh across the whole enclosure, while others only upgrade the panels closest to the yard or water, keeping standard mesh on the rest to preserve airflow. We can mix mesh types by panel if that balance makes more sense for how you use the space.
Installation Process
Installing no-see-um screen follows the same steps as any rescreen: removing old material, checking spline channels and frame condition, then cutting and tensioning the new mesh panel by panel. Because the weave is tighter, we're a bit more careful with tension to avoid puckering at the corners.
Weather Considerations
In peak humidity and pollen season, tighter mesh means more visible film buildup that needs occasional rinsing to keep the view clear. During hurricane season, wind load on any mesh matters, and a tightly tensioned no-see-um panel performs similarly to standard screen in terms of frame stress.
Cost Planning
No-see-um mesh generally costs more per panel than standard fiberglass. Doing a full-enclosure upgrade costs more upfront than a standard rescreen, but many homeowners choose to phase it in — starting with the panels facing the yard or water where bugs are worst.
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FAQ
No-See-Um Screen Installation questions
Does no-see-um screen actually stop gnats completely?+
It stops the vast majority since the weave is much tighter than standard screen, though no screen is 100% insect-proof at open doors.
Will my lanai feel stuffier with this mesh?+
You'll likely notice reduced airflow compared to standard screen, which is the main trade-off for the tighter weave.
Can I install no-see-um mesh on just a few panels?+
Yes, we regularly mix mesh types on one enclosure based on which side faces the yard, water, or wooded area.
Does this mesh need more cleaning?+
It tends to collect more pollen and dust than standard screen, so periodic rinsing helps keep visibility clear.
Is no-see-um mesh available in solar or privacy versions?+
Tight-weave options exist that combine bug protection with reduced glare, though they cut airflow further still.
Call for a free estimate and we'll help you decide which panels make the most sense for no-see-um mesh.
Request an estimate