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Bug Screens Built for the Phoenix Climate
Phoenix winters and spring evenings are genuinely pleasant — open-window weather, when you finally get a break from the AC. The problem is that the same conditions that make it nice to open the windows also bring out mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and during monsoon season, clouds of desert insects. Without proper bug screens, keeping the windows open means keeping the bugs out is impossible.
Bug screens (also called insect screens or window screens) are fine-mesh screens installed on the exterior of your window and door openings. The mesh weave is tight enough to block insects — including Arizona bark scorpions, which can fit through surprisingly small gaps — while still allowing full airflow through the screen. They're the simplest, most effective way to enjoy fresh air in your home without an open invitation to every flying or crawling insect in your yard.
At North Phoenix Solar Screens, we build custom bug screens to the exact dimensions of your windows and doors — no off-the-shelf sizes with gaps at the corners. We use quality fiberglass insect mesh mounted on powder-coated aluminum frames in five colors. The same precision fit and frame quality we bring to our solar screens applies to every bug screen we build.
We serve the entire Phoenix metro area: Phoenix, North Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Anthem, Cave Creek, Carefree, Tempe, Chandler, Paradise Valley, Ahwatukee, and surrounding communities. Free in-home estimates, fast turnaround.
Why Custom Bug Screens Beat Store-Bought
Pre-made screens leave gaps. Gaps let bugs in. Custom screens don't.
Keep Every Insect Out
Standard bug screen mesh has tight enough weave to stop mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and Arizona bark scorpions from squeezing through — while letting full airflow pass. Perfect for monsoon evenings when you want the breeze without the bugs.
Maximum Airflow, Zero Compromise
Unlike solar screens, bug screens use a finer, lighter mesh that allows maximum airflow. When Phoenix finally cools down — October through April — you can open your windows and enjoy fresh air without inviting insects inside.
Custom-Fit to Every Opening
We measure every window and door individually and build your bug screens to exact dimensions. No standard-size screens with gaps at the edges that let bugs sneak through. Perfect fit means a real barrier, not just a suggestion.
Durable Frames Built to Last
Our bug screens use the same powder-coated aluminum frames we use for solar screens — five color options to match your home's exterior — paired with quality fiberglass insect mesh that resists sagging, tearing, and Arizona UV over time.
Bug Screen or Solar Screen — Which Do You Need?
We install both. Here's how to think about which is right for each window.
Bug Screen
- Blocks insects — mosquitoes, flies, scorpions
- Maximum airflow through fine mesh
- No meaningful heat or UV blocking
- Best for: north-facing, shaded, or covered windows
- Best for: winter and spring open-window use
- Best for: patios and doors used for ventilation
Solar Screen
- Blocks up to 90% of solar heat gain
- Filters UV rays that fade furniture and floors
- Also blocks insects at the screen level
- Best for: south and west-facing windows
- Best for: rooms that overheat April–October
- Best for: lowering summer cooling costs
Not sure which is right for your windows? We'll advise you during your free estimate — no pressure, no upsell.
Why Choose North Phoenix Solar Screens?
We do bug screens with the same care and precision we bring to every solar screen install.
- Custom-measured for every window and door
- Quality fiberglass insect mesh — tight weave, full airflow
- Powder-coated aluminum frames in five colors
- Same precision fit as our solar screens
- Fast turnaround, most orders within 1–2 weeks
- We serve all of the Phoenix metro area
- Free, no-pressure in-home estimates
Bug Screen Installation Across the Phoenix Metro
We build and install custom insect screens throughout the Valley. If you're in the Phoenix area, we've got you covered.
Bug Screen Questions — Answered
Everything Phoenix homeowners ask us about insect screens, from mesh specs to scorpions.
What is a bug screen?
A bug screen (also called an insect screen or window screen) is a fine-mesh screen installed in a frame that fits over your window or door opening. The mesh is tight enough to block mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other insects while allowing air to circulate freely. In Phoenix, bug screens are especially useful during monsoon season and the cooler months when homeowners want to open windows without letting pests inside.
What is the difference between a bug screen and a solar screen?
Bug screens and solar screens serve different purposes. Bug screens use a fine, light mesh designed to block insects while maximizing airflow — they provide no meaningful heat or UV blocking. Solar screens use a much denser, heavier mesh (80% or 90% density) that blocks solar heat and UV rays, keeping your home cooler in summer. Many Phoenix homeowners use solar screens on south and west-facing windows for heat control, and bug screens on north-facing or shaded windows where airflow is the priority.
Do bug screens help keep scorpions out?
Yes. Standard fiberglass insect mesh has a tight enough weave to prevent Arizona bark scorpions — which are thin and can squeeze through surprising gaps — from entering through screened openings. A properly fitted bug screen with no gaps around the frame is one layer of your overall scorpion prevention strategy. Fit and frame seal are critical; a screen with gaps is not a real barrier.
When should I choose a bug screen instead of a solar screen in Phoenix?
Choose a bug screen when airflow is your main priority and the window doesn't receive intense direct sun. North-facing windows, windows under deep overhangs or covered patios, and rooms you mainly use in winter or evenings are all good candidates. For south and west-facing windows that take direct afternoon sun from April through October, a solar screen gives you far more benefit. We're happy to advise you on the best screen type for each window during your free estimate.
Can I get both bug screens and solar screens from you?
Absolutely. Many of our customers mix both types: solar screens on the sun-exposed sides of the house for heat control, and bug screens on shaded or north-facing openings for maximum ventilation. We custom-build both from the same aluminum frame system so they look consistent on your home.
How long does bug screen installation take?
The process is the same as our solar screens: we measure your windows and doors during a free in-home visit, build your custom screens at our shop, then return to install them. Most Phoenix-area customers are fully screened within 1–2 weeks of their estimate. Installation itself typically takes 2–4 hours for a standard home.
Do you replace old or damaged bug screens?
Yes. If your existing screens are torn, warped, bent, or have holes, we can replace the mesh, rebuild the frame, or replace the whole unit — whichever makes the most sense. We bring fresh materials and match your frame color so replacements look factory-new.
More questions? Visit our full FAQ page or give us a call.