Summer in France brings with it flies, bugs and – increasingly – mosquitoes. But one thing you’ll notice, especially if you’re American, is the absence of window screens in French homes.
In many parts of the US, screens – thin mesh placed over windows so that the window can be left open without allowing insects in – are common. But in France, and indeed much of Europe, these do not come as standard.
One explanation is that, until recently, France did not really need screens to keep out the worst of the summer pests; mosquitoes.
Unlike large parts of the US, most of France historically experienced fewer mosquitoes and milder summers. The widespread presence of invasive species like the Tiger mosquito is a relatively recent phenomenon, only firmly established in France since 2004.
Listen to the team at The Local talking about the growing mosquito problem on the latest episode of Talking France
When much of France’s housing was built – decades or centuries ago – mosquitoes were not a big enough nuisance to justify adding these screens. Whereas, in the US for example, mosquito-heavy environments shaped housing design early on, making window screens a standard feature.
French homes and shutters
Most French homes have shutters (volets) which serve different functions, from blocking heat to maintaining privacy and regulating light. The shutters, combined with thick walls in older buildings, are able to keep the inside of your home cool without relying too heavily on air conditioning. In fact, unlike many American homes, French homes are generally not equipped with AC.
Shutters thus reduce the need to leave windows open continuously, which reduces the number of insects that can get in.
Traditional French ventilation habits often involve opening windows at specific times of day – early morning or late evening – rather than keeping them open all day, further limiting exposure.
READ MORE: French city to release 200,000 sterile male mosquitos
Adding screens later
From an architectural standpoint, mosquito screens in France are largely treated as an afterthought rather than an integral part of building design.
In an article for French environment media Reporterre, urban researcher Julie Cardi explained that the most effective solutions are those incorporated at the construction stage.
“It’s better when installation is done from the outset, and by a professional. The frames that are added onto windows afterwards are somewhat fragile and sometimes not very well suited.”
However, this approach remains rare. Most buildings, whether new or renovated, are not designed with mosquito protection in mind.
Even in the French overseas territories such as those in the Caribbean or South America, where tropical diseases are widespread, mosquito screens are rarely incorporated at the design stage.
In the same article, French entomologist Guillaume Lacour noted from his experience in French Guiana, they are typically added retrospectively to buildings that were not designed to accommodate them.
Developers and architects rarely include mosquito screens in initial plans, even in regions where mosquitoes are widespread. The feature is still viewed as optional, particularly in a context of rising construction costs, and is therefore often postponed by homeowners.
Can you install your own screens?
Rising mosquito numbers mean that there are more products on the market for people who do want to add screens – kits are widely available from DIY stores like Leroy Merlin, Mr Bricolage or Castorama.
You have a wide range of options to choose from. For example, you can stick Velcro tape around the window frame and attach a cut-to-size mesh. These are usually easy to install and remove.
You also have magnetic screens or more rigid systems where you build a frame that fits inside or outside the window (aluminium or plastic), and roller kits.
However, professional installation is recommended for roller shutters with integrated screens or large sliding doors, where precision matters. They can also hide systems in window casings for a cleaner look, which is increasingly preferred for an aesthetically pleasing look.
Some people are even taking advantage of the growing demand to create a business – in Alsace, for example, two brothers founded a company in 2021 after noticing the increase in mosquito problems. They manufacture and install custom-made screens for all types of openings, including windows, sliding doors, roof windows etc. Their designs differ from older models, opening laterally rather than rolling up.
The service for example is not cheap – often starting at around €250 and exceeding €1,000 for full home installations – but customers say it is worth it for comfort and peace of mind, especially for families with children.
READ ALSO: Traps, sprays and sterilisation: How France is dealing with its mosquito problem
If you are a tenant you should check with your landlord before installing screens, and if you own a place in a shared building, you may need to check with the copropriété before starting any word.
