The $10 Patio Screen That Keeps My Apartment Bug-Free (It’s on Sale!)

Earlier this month, I was lounging on my couch when something fluttered in my peripheral vision. At first, I tried to convince myself that I was seeing things, but then I locked eyes with one of the biggest moths that I’ve ever seen. Naturally, I freaked out. Somehow, it escaped my view, and then I entered a tense, hours-long battle, waiting for it to emerge so I could trap it. In the meantime, I panic-ordered two items: a moth trap and a screen for the door to my balcony.

I didn’t put much thought into the one I selected then — I was a bit preoccupied — but the latter has been a total lifesaver. For only $10, it’s an absolute steal. The screen even earned the approval of my grandpa, who helped me install it when he was visiting. I’m happy to report that my apartment has been blissfully moth- and mosquito-free in the weeks since then, and I can safely leave my patio door open to enjoy the fall weather. Read on to find out why it’ll be the best $10 you’ve ever spent on your patio.

Fego’s screen creates a barrier between your home and patio that you’ll barely notice visually, but you’ll see the impact once the amount of bugs flying around your space decreases. The fiberglass mesh is sturdy and durable, but it’s also thin enough that it won’t block air, light, or the view from your door. The size is 32″ x 81″, which fits most standard doors (although you’ll want to get your tape measure out just in case). The seam in the middle of the screen is lined with 34 strong magnets, allowing for hands-free entry. Along the bottom, there are two gravity sticks that weigh it down, so it won’t move with the wind.

There isn’t much to this screen door, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t do its job well. First off, when my grandpa visited my new apartment and helped me get my patio into shape, he didn’t gush about anything else like he did this screen door. It comes with an adhesive strip to line the top of the door frame with, and the Velcro along the edge of the screen sticks to it. It took under five minutes to put together: My grandpa is the best handyman I know, but even I — with my complete lack of assembly skills — could’ve done it as quickly alone. We used the included black tacks for extra security, which went easily into the wooden trim around the door. I’ve been going in and out of my balcony door frequently over the past few weeks, and not once has it shown any signs of budging from where it’s tacked in place.

Further, it doesn’t block any light from the outside, which is key for me. My apartment, which is surrounded by other buildings and only on the second floor, hardly gets any natural light as it is. I’ve taken to keeping my door slightly ajar while the weather has been cooling off, too, and the mesh is just thick enough that it keeps the bugs out and lets the breeze pass through. The magnets ensure that any time I pass through it, the screen closes quickly and completely from top to bottom. Thankfully I don’t think I have to worry about any more flying critters terrorizing me in my apartment ever again. For that, $10 is a small price to pay.

Buy: FEGO Magnetic Screen Door, $9.99 (normally $15.99)