How Does A Patio Screen Keep Mt. Juliet Bugs Out?

A patio screen keeps bugs out in Mt. Juliet when the mesh is tight enough and every gap around it is sealed. Most screened patios that "let mosquitoes in" actually have a gap at the slab, the door or the roofline. At JB's Enclosures, we build the frame to close those gaps first, then choose the mesh.

By Jeremy Bolton, Founder and Owner · Last updated October 26, 2026

What does a patio screen actually have to stop in Mt. Juliet?

Mainly mosquitoes, plus gnats, wasps and spring pollen. That mix changes how we build a patio screen here compared with drier parts of the country.

Mosquitoes are the main reason people call us. According to the Tennessee Department of Health's vector-borne diseases page, nine mosquito species that can carry disease live in the state, including the Asian tiger mosquito. The same page notes that most mosquitoes live near still water, from lakes and ponds to small containers that hold rain.

That matters around Mt. Juliet. Homes near Old Hickory Lake, along wooded lots and beside retention ponds deal with more pressure than an open subdivision lot. In addition, the Asian tiger mosquito bites during the day, so evening isn't the only problem window.

So, do screens keep mosquitoes out? Yes, standard patio mesh is fine enough to stop them. The weak point is almost never the mesh itself. Instead, it's the places where the mesh meets something else.

Where do bugs get into a screened patio?

Through the edges, not the middle. When a screened patio has a bug problem, we usually find one of these gaps within a few minutes:

• The slab edge, where an uneven patio leaves a gap under the bottom rail

• The screen door, especially a missing sweep or a door that won't close on its own

• The roofline, where the frame meets a patio cover or the house

• Ceiling fan or light openings that weren't sealed after wiring

• Pet doors without a proper flap

• Loose spline, which lets the mesh pull out of its channel

Older concrete patios in Mt. Juliet often settle unevenly. As a result, a frame set on a straight line can leave a half-inch gap at one corner, which is plenty of room for a mosquito. That's why we scribe the bottom rail to the slab and seal it, instead of assuming the concrete is level.

The house wall is the other common culprit. The siding and brick have grooves/lines of mortar so we apply the sealant to the frame itself rather than the nearest flat surface of the wall.

Which screen enclosure details hold up to Tennessee humidity?

All of these factors will play into your decision. Aluminum framing, non-rusting/rotting mesh and good air flow will help. Screen enclosures in Middle Tennessee sit in moist air for a long time. Materials that retain moisture will be the first to give out.

When people ask what is the best material to use for a screen, they are usually looking for one answer. In reality the best material for you will depend on whereabouts you are putting the panel and what it is facing. Here's how the common options behave in our climate:

Just as important is the frame. Wood frames can cause problems by expanding and becoming rotten and mildewed in a damp corner. Powder coated Aluminium frames will not do this. They also remain straight meaning the mesh will stay taut and the edges of the mesh sealed properly for years.

If you want to mix mesh types panel by panel, our Mt. Juliet screen rooms guide covers that approach, along with permits and the local facilities tax.

When do retractable screens make sense on a patio?

Roll up and tuck away. Get full access to your patio when required. Roll down again to get great views and fresh air when bugs are not an issue.

They typically pay for themselves in certain situations. If you have a patio that faces Old Hickory Lake you will lose some of your view through the fixed mesh. If you have a patio that faces west you may only require screen during the hot summer afternoons. Families that BBQ or entertain often enjoy having one side open for traffic and smoke.

For a patio you'll keep screened all season, though, fixed panels are simpler and have nothing mechanical to service. Many homeowners split the difference with one retractable side and fixed screens elsewhere. Wind ratings and span limits matter too, and our custom screen enclosure guide explains what to ask about both.

Where do we install patio screens around Mt. Juliet?

Across Mt. Juliet and the surrounding Wilson County area. We regularly work in Providence, Willoughby Station, Del Webb Lake Providence and the neighborhoods near Old Hickory Lake, plus Gladeville and Hermitage.

So, if you've searched "who screens patios near Mt. Juliet and Providence Tennessee," the answer is us. Homeowners also find us by searching for screened porch builders Mt. Juliet TN, since a screened porch and a screened patio use the same framing and mesh.

Our screen room services in Mt. Juliet page shows the full range of structures we build. We also install screens in Lebanon, Hendersonville and across Nashville.

How do you get a free patio screen estimate?

We will come out to measure up your patio. We will take measurements of the slab, eaves and wall where the frame will be fitted so we can give you the best possible seal.

If your first question is how much does it cost to screen a patio then the answer is it really depends. The size, height, number of doors and if you want to add in retractable sides will all affect the price. A measured visit turns that into a real number, and financing options are available too.

A well-built patio screen should give you bug-free evenings for many seasons. To book patio screen installation in Mt. Juliet TN, contact JB's Enclosures or call (615) 713-7902.

Frequently asked questions

1. What does screening a patio cost in Mt. Juliet?

The main factors affecting price will be the sizes of the gaps, height of the patio cover and number of doors. Retractable sides, pet grade mesh and an uneven patio can cause the price to rise. We will come out to measure and provide a written quote free of charge.

2. Do screens genuinely keep Tennessee mosquitoes out?

Yes. As long as the patio is properly sealed the screens will keep the mosquitos out. The standard mesh will not allow them to get through due to the small gaps. Most of the bites you would get in a screened patio would come from the gap around the door, patio slabs or roofline. Or the door being left open. Also keeping any stagnant water away from any nearby planters.

3. Which screen material lasts longest in this humidity?

Generally the longest lasting screens will be the Fibreglass mesh with powder coated aluminium frames. Fibreglass will not rust and Aluminium will not rot or warp. The most durable screens are pet grade vinyl coated Polyester for the lower sections but they will be more expensive and slightly reduce the air flow.

4. Are retractable screens worth the extra cost?

Yes. If you plan on using your patio regularly then yes, Retractable screens are worth it. If you have a great view of the lake, love to have a party or just want to enjoy the cooler evenings in the Fall. If you are going to have your patio screened from Spring to Fall then fixed panels will provide the same level of protection but at a lower price and less maintenance.

5. Can screens be added to a covered patio that already exists?

Generally yes. We will need to make sure the posts and eaves are in good condition and square enough to fit a frame. If the patio slabs are uneven or the posts are spaced strangely we can adapt the frame to fit. Sometimes older wooden posts require some fixing.

6. How long does a patio screen installation take?

Most patio screens can be installed in 1-3 days. Larger patios, bespoke doors or Retractable screens can take longer. We will let you know how long it will take during your estimate.

7. Will pets tear through patio screens?

Standard mesh can be damaged if your dog jumps or scratches at them. Most households will be fine with the pet grade mesh on the lower sections. Adding a kick plate to the bottom will help protect them and also help keep the bottom sealed.

8. How do you clean and maintain patio screens?

We recommend cleaning your mesh with a soft brush and garden hose a couple of times a year. Especially after pollen season in the spring. Don’t use a pressure washer as this can cause the mesh to stretch or rip. Also check your door sweeps and spline once a year.

Visit or Call Us

JB's Enclosures

Address: 1349 Marymont Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Phone: (615) 713-7902

Email: [email protected] Veteran-owned and operated by founder Jeremy Bolton.

Serving Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Hermitage, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee area.