You want to enjoy your porch, patio, lanai, or garage—without swatting bugs all night.
Motorized screens make that possible by lowering a fine mesh at the push of a button. They let air and light in while keeping insects out.
So, do they actually work?
Yes—when properly installed with the right mesh and sealed edges, motorized screens will keep most bugs out in Florida.
However, extremely tiny insects (like no-see-ums) can still get through very small gaps or lower-grade mesh
In this guide, you’ll learn how motorized screens work, how well they block bugs, and what to look for when choosing the right system for your home.
Motorized screens are retractable mesh systems that raise and lower with a remote, switch, or app.
They’re commonly installed on:
With the push of a button, you can instantly turn an open space into a bug-protected area.
Inside the housing is a motor that rolls the screen up and down smoothly.
When activated:
You can control them using:
Some systems also include wind sensors and automation features for added protection and convenience.
Motorized screens come in a few main styles:
Different mesh types serve different purposes:
The tighter the mesh, the better it blocks bugs—but airflow may decrease slightly.
This is one of the most important questions homeowners have—and the answer comes down to a few key factors.
Motorized screens are highly effective at keeping bugs out when built and installed correctly. Their performance depends on:
When all of these elements work together, motorized screens can effectively block mosquitoes, flies, and most common insects found in Florida.
Very small insects require a tighter mesh to block effectively.
If bug protection is your main priority:
This ensures the best possible protection while still maintaining airflow and comfort.
Florida is one of the toughest environments for outdoor products:
That means your motorized screen needs to be built for it.
Look for:
These features help maintain performance and keep bugs out consistently
Here’s where motorized screens really stand out:
Result: Fewer gaps = fewer bugs
Motorized screens are especially popular for garages.
They allow you to:
Perfect for Florida homeowners who want more usable space without a full enclosure.
Motorized screens make patios and lanais usable—especially at night when bugs are worst.
Drop the screen when needed, retract it when you don’t.
Modern systems offer more than just convenience.
Motorized screens can detect movement caused by wind and adjust automatically to protect the system.
Upgrade your system to:
This helps protect your screen and maintain a tight seal—reducing gaps where bugs can enter.
Not all systems perform the same. Here’s what matters most:
Higher density = better bug protection
Proper sealing is critical
Even small gaps can let bugs in
Tighter tracks = fewer entry points
Dirty or damaged screens lose effectiveness over time
Keep your screen working properly with simple upkeep:
Small issues can quickly turn into bigger problems if ignored.
The solution: quality materials + professional installation
Before you buy, consider:
Also look for:
Even the best screen won’t work properly if it’s installed incorrectly.
A professional install ensures:
That’s the difference between “mostly works” and “actually works.”
If you’re tired of dealing with bugs, motorized screens are one of the most effective solutions available in Florida.
✔ Enjoy your patio without mosquitoes
✔ Use your garage year-round
✔ Add comfort, privacy, and convenience
Ready to enjoy your space without bugs?
Contact Lafferty Aluminum & Screening today for a custom motorized screen solution built for Florida living.
Motorized screens keep out most common insects like mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. For very small pests like no-see-ums, a higher-density mesh and proper sealing are required for the best protection.
Yes. With Florida’s high mosquito and insect activity, motorized screens are one of the most effective ways to create a comfortable, bug-free outdoor space.
High-density insect mesh or no-see-um mesh provides the best protection. The tighter the weave, the better it blocks small insects—though airflow may be slightly reduced.
Not when properly installed. High-quality systems use sealed side tracks and bottom bars to minimize gaps where bugs could enter.
Yes. Motorized screens are especially useful at night, when mosquitoes and insects are most active, allowing you to enjoy your patio or lanai without disruption.
Motorized screens often perform better over time because they retract when not in use, reducing wear and preventing gaps that can develop in fixed screens.
Yes. Regular maintenance—like cleaning the mesh and checking seals—helps maintain effectiveness and prevents small gaps from forming.
Yes. Motorized screens are commonly installed on garages, patios, lanais, and other large openings to create bug-free, usable living spaces.
"Lafferty did an amazing job! We love our new screen. They were very professional and we had our finished screen before expected. We recommend Lafferty to everyone."
"Lafferty did an excellent job on our unconventional screening project. The office staff was responsive and friendly. From consultation to installation, all of our questions and concerns were addressed."
"Lafferty did an excellent job installing our pool screens. The are prompt and keep you well informed concerning the job! I would definitely hire Lafferty Screens again!!"
"We are very satisfied with our new fence and work done by Lafferty Aluminum. Quality, professionalism, and reliability working with Lafferty has been very good and I am happy we chose them."
"Lafferty was one of the easiest and smoothest company's to work with. We are building our home and these guys were so customer friendly, answered all our questions, was available to take our call if we had questions."
"Friendly service, professional attitude of employee, polite and they cleaned up as they worked. We had our pool enclosed redone after hurricane damage and now it looks great. Thanks"
"Lafferty did a fantastic job from start to finish on the patio pavers and aluminum screening. They completed the project on time, and perhaps even a little ahead of schedule!"
"I couldn't be happier with the work performed by Lafferty. They replaced my original screen house in February in a professional and timely manner. I would highly recommend them for your screen enclosure needs."
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