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This $20 Solution Is Perfect If You Hate Bugs But Love Fresh Air

One reviewer described it as “a cost-effective way to keep insects out while letting the breeze in.”

This $20 Solution Is Perfect If You Hate Bugs But Love Fresh Air
This mesh door screen lets users have fresh air without pesky bugs, and it is on sale.
This mesh door screen lets users have fresh air without pesky bugs, and it is on sale.

Whether you crave fresh air or want to feel the natural breeze, sometimes you just want to leave your doors open. Of course, this can prove challenging if you don’t want to fill your home with bugs. If you don’t want to install an entire screen door, or just prefer something easier for pets and little ones to get through, we spotted an easy-install portable, magnetic mesh door panel currently on sale at Amazon.

Made with a high-quality screen that stops bugs without stopping airflow, this ingenious contraction comes in various colors and sizes to fit right into your frame. Currently, the black 32-inch by 82-inch will give you the best deal at 24% off, which marks the lowest price it’s been in weeks.

Reviewers rave about how convenient and effective this screen is!

The magnetic seal makes the screen easy to walk through but still secure.
The magnetic seal makes the screen easy to walk through but still secure.

One reviewer calls the screen a “no-brainer,” and “fantastic addition to our home!” describing it as “a cost-effective way to keep insects out while letting the breeze in.”

Others say this portable screen is a much better deal than a traditional screen door, as it stops bugs but still allows for people and pets to get in and out hands-free, then automatically seals back up with a magnetic closure. This can be great for entertaining outside, bringing food indoors or outdoors, or just for busy or forgetful people who don’t always close the door behind them.

“I have 3 dogs, 2 cats and grandchildren! This is a Godsend,” one wrote. “No more opening and closing screen doors! Cats and dogs go in and out easily! No more flies, bees or other flying insects! Easy to install. Snaps back closed.”

People especially love that the screen doesn’t require a general contractor’s license or a TaskRabbit order to set up or take down.

With no need for nails or drills, this screen comes with self-adhesive hook tape that you apply around the top and sides of your door frame. (Reminder: “Velcro” is a brand name, so the phrase “self-adhesive hook tape” is like a lip balm/Chapstick situation. This net doesn’t use brand-name Velcro, but the fabric works virtually the same.)

The screen can easily be taken on and off to be washed in the washing machine or folded and stored away for winter.

Users who have tried other mesh screens agree that this option is better in quality and ease of set-up than other options. “This is the best one I have bought,” one wrote. “I can leave my screen door open and my pets can come and go as they please. It closes without falling off or apart.”

When measuring the right size screen for your home, don't include the door frame.
When measuring the right size screen for your home, don't include the door frame.

When finding the size for your home, the brand says to measure just the door, not including the frame. The nets come in a ton of sizes, so you’re likely to find yours.

Yet, many reviewers with old and/or uniquely shaped homes and doors say this screen is adaptable, even if the fit isn’t 100% perfect. “Our 1700 year old home has nothing straight or standard,” one said.

“This screen was very easy to alter to fit the door without compromising the effectiveness keeping flies & mosquitoes out. Love it!”

Still wondering if this handy mesh screen is your next home upgrade? Check out more of these 5-star reviews.

“Love this screen! I have been wanting fresh air in our home on those sunny days when AC is not needed, but did not want the bugs in. This was an easy setup, fit our patio door perfectly, and the magnets keep the screen door shut, and closes well after entry/exit! I am very pleased with this purchase and would recommend!” — Bin E

“This magnetic screen door has been one of my favorite home upgrades! It fits my 48 x 80-inch doorway perfectly and was super easy to install—no tools needed. The Velcro strips are strong and hold the screen securely in place, even with daily use. The magnets along the center close quickly and quietly every time, which is so convenient, especially when my hands are full. My dogs figured it out right away and now they go in and out with ease. No more scratched doors or waiting to be let out! It keeps the bugs out beautifully while still allowing a nice breeze through the house. If you’re looking for a simple way to enjoy fresh air without the bugs (and without installing a full storm door), this is a fantastic buy!” — Robin Heywood

“Perfect Solution for a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Experience! I recently installed the Magnetic Screen Door, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! The self-sealing magnets work like a charm, allowing easy passage for both my pets and kids while keeping pesky bugs out. Installation was a breeze—no tools required! It fits perfectly on my door (36 x 80 inches), and the white color blends seamlessly with my decor. The screen is durable yet lightweight, making it easy to open and close without hassle. I love how it automatically snaps shut behind me, ensuring that my home stays comfortable and bug-free. If you’re looking for a practical and stylish solution for your doorway, I highly recommend this magnetic screen door!” — AOP3D 5 WHISTLESTOP MALL ROCKPORT MA

“Easy to install, the magnets work really well, and our pet cats quickly figured out they could push their way out and the magnets would quickly seal behind them. No more bugs in the living room!” — tmauss

“I bought this screen hoping to use it in an unusual way. We are camping and we have a side room tent that attaches to out trailer. Well, the zipper on the screen door is busted. So I was hoping this would work. I cleaned the tent surface well and let it dry well. We were amazed when the velcro stuck to the tent fabric! The rest of the trip will be bug free!” — Amazon customer

Prefer other ways to stay bug-free? Here’s a collection of gentle bug repellents by shopping writer Martha Tuber.

Stem insect killer

I used this spray to take care of a summertime ant infestation and was shocked by how immediately it worked — just a few quick, direct spritzes was all it took to stop the intruders in their tracks. The main ingredients are geraniol and lemongrass.

Amazon

Zevo Insect Killer ant, roach and spider spray

I also used this spray while tackling my ant issue, and, like the aforementioned Stem product, it was immediately effective. This one uses rosemary oil (another natural bug-deterrent) and sodium lauryl sulfate (a common surfactant that also has insect-killing properties), but the outcome is the same. I also think its powerful rosemary scent is what helped drive out the spiders that had been making themselves very at home under my roof.

Amazon

Another set of Zevo products that reviewers love

This pair of ant, roach and fly sprays are infused with essential oils of rosemary and cornmint, which are “deadly” to bugs (according to the brand) but safe to use around pets and people, provided you carefully follow the usage instructions. “I was dealing with a big gnat problem, so I got these to help,” wrote TL Sopko on Amazon. “They seemed to work well, but I was pleasantly surprised at the scent. It's giving spa vibes. I was expecting a bug spray smell, but this is very nice.”

Target

Mighty Mint insect and pest control

This peppermint oil-based formula promises to drive out roaches, spiders, ants and flies with “a few sprays every few days,” according to the brand.

Dr. Killigan’s Six Feet Under insect killer

Soybean, cinnamon, and clove oils are the natural ingredients that help make Dr. Killigan’s “safe and soooo effective for everything awful,” and when “literally nothing else has worked.” It can be used anywhere in the home; won’t harm people or pets when used as directed; and can kill 50+ insects both on contact and residually for up to 30 days.

BugMD pantry pest control

If moths are your problem, customers say these discreet, scent-free traps “are a marvel.” They’re small, easy to assemble, and made with extra-strong, pheromone-infused glue that attracts damaging moths and keeps them stuck. Each pack comes with six traps, and the brand also makes a version for clothes moths.

Zevo flying insect trap

Per one reviewer, this plug-in trap “works really well and has the advantage of being artistically eye-catching at night and very inconspicuous during the day.” It’s basically an insect-killing accent light — keep it plugged in 24/7, and its calming glow (a combo of blue and UV light) will attract and trap all manner of flying critters. It’s odorless and silent (no moving parts), and you can buy refill cartridges to keep your defenses up year-round.

Katchy indoor insect trap

Fruit flies, gnats, and mosquitos are no match for this electronic trap, which uses a powerful combo of glowing light and liquid bait to lure bugs in, and a powerful fan and glue board to keep them there. Per one reviewer, its “exceptional effectiveness makes it a must-have tool for maintaining a pest-free environment.” Its glowing neon ring also makes it look very space-age chic.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)