Choosing between the different types of fly screens can feel overwhelming if you're not sure what sets each option apart. From fixed frames to retractable rollers, sliding panels, pleated concertina screens, and magnetic fly screens, each solution is designed for a specific type of door, window, or living space.
Beyond keeping mosquitoes, flies, and other insects out, fly screens also help reduce the amount of pollen, dust, and airborne particles entering your home, making a real difference for hay fever sufferers and anyone who wants cleaner, fresher indoor air while still enjoying natural ventilation.
In this complete guide, we walk you through the main types of fly screens available in New Zealand, their features, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your home, whether you're a homeowner or renting a property.
If you're looking for a no drill, easy-to-install, and affordable solution, you'll also discover why magnetic fly screens have become one of the most popular options for renters and homeowners alike.
Magnetic fly screens : Moskill's speciality
Magnetic fly screens have quickly become one of the most practical and in-demand solutions for protecting your home against insects, pollen, and dust, without any fuss. Their self-closing magnet system lets you walk through effortlessly, with the screen snapping shut automatically behind you for all-day comfort and protection.
At Moskill, we specialise in magnetic fly screens designed for fast, tool-free installation. No drilling, no permanent fixtures, no tradespeople required, just a simple setup in minutes that works on doors, balcony openings, patios, and alfresco areas. That makes Moskill magnetic fly screens an ideal choice for both homeowners and renters in apartments or rental properties.
Why choose a Moskill magnetic fly screen?
✅ No drill installation : fits without damaging walls or door frames
✅ Self-closing magnets for hands-free protection every time
✅ Easy passage for children, dogs, and cats : pet-friendly and family-safe
✅ Available in custom sizes to fit a wide range of door and opening dimensions
✅ Affordable, durable, and effective against insects and pollen : ideal for hay fever sufferers
Our magnetic fly screens are made from breathable, durable mesh that maintains excellent airflow while keeping insects, pollen, and fine dust firmly outside. The materials are built to last through seasons of daily use without losing their shape or effectiveness.
If you're after an effective, great-looking, and genuinely easy DIY fly screen solution, Moskill magnetic fly screens are the perfect choice, whether you're gearing up for a warm New Zealand summer.
Types of fly screens for windows
Choosing the right fly screen for a window depends primarily on the type of window you have. Casement, sash, tilt and turn, awning, and sliding windows all open differently, so it's important to understand which solution works best for each style before you buy.
Fly screen for windows : keep insects and pollen out
Fly screens for casement, awning, sash, and tilt and turn windows
Casement and awning windows, which swing open inward or outward, need a fly screen solution that doesn't obstruct the opening mechanism. The most recommended options include retractable roller fly screens, fixed removable frames, and adjustable magnetic fly screens. For renters or anyone who wants to avoid making permanent changes, no drill options are particularly well suited to these window types.
Retractable fly screens roll neatly away when not in use, allowing the window to open fully without any obstruction. Fixed removable screens offer a budget-friendly and stable option for windows that aren't opened constantly. Adjustable magnetic fly screens are the modern no drill solution, they go on and come off with ease, making them ideal for rental properties, sash windows, and tilt and turn windows common in homes, as well as awning-style windows popular across New Zealand.
Fly screens for sliding windows
Sliding windows are a common feature in modern apartments and homes across New Zealand. The best solution in this case is a sliding fly screen that runs on a parallel track alongside the window, allowing smooth and effortless operation. Custom-made fixed fly screen panels are also available where a more permanent, tailored fit is preferred.
Main advantages:
- Simple installation directly into the existing window frame
- Comfortable everyday use without the need to remove or refit the screen frequently
- Clean, integrated look that complements the window aesthetically
Fly screens for balconies, patios, and alfresco areas
Balconies, patios, conservatories, and alfresco areas are some of the most enjoyable spaces in any home : but they're also the most exposed. Sliding doors, stacker doors, and bifold doors create large openings that let in plenty of light and airflow, but without proper protection, they also invite insects, pollen, and dust straight into your living space. Choosing the right fly screen for these areas is essential if you want to make the most of indoor-outdoor living year-round.
For large openings, the most popular options are sliding fly screens, pleated concertina fly screens, and magnetic fly screens designed for wide openings.
Fly screen for patio doors and large openings : keep bugs out
Sliding fly screens are the ideal choice for sliding glass doors and stacker doors, as they integrate into the same rail system and provide smooth, durable, comfortable everyday use. They're a particularly popular choice in New Zealand homes where stacker door setups open directly onto alfresco dining areas or outdoor entertaining spaces.
Pleated concertina fly screens offer a contemporary, architecturally clean solution for larger and high-traffic openings : perfect for bifold door setups, wide alfresco entries, conservatory access points, and expansive patio doors. Magnetic fly screens, on the other hand, are the flexible no drill alternative: they install without any permanent fixings, adapt to a range of opening sizes, and allow children and pets to pass through freely with minimal effort. They're practical, cost-effective, and offer reliable protection against insects and pollen throughout the year.
Types of fly screen doors
Front doors, patio doors, and any high-traffic entry point need a fly screen solution that balances protection, comfort, and durability. As the most frequently used openings in any home, it's essential to choose a fly screen door that opens and closes easily without compromising ventilation or the security of your household.
The most recommended options for doors are hinged fly screen doors, retractable fly screen rollers, and magnetic fly screen doors.
Fly screen door : self-closing, no drill, fits any door
Hinged fly screen doors are ideal for doors that swing inward or outward, they attach securely to the door frame, allow comfortable passage, and are built to withstand the demands of heavy daily use. They're a solid, long-term solution for permanent installations where durability is a priority.
Retractable fly screen rollers offer a discreet and practical alternative, the screen rolls away neatly when not in use, preserving the look and feel of your doorway while still providing full protection when you need it. They adapt to a range of door sizes and are a popular choice for those who prefer a minimal aesthetic.
Magnetic fly screen doors have become the most popular choice for everyday doors in New Zealand homes. There's no drilling required, installation takes just minutes, and the self-closing magnetic strip allows people and pets to pass through freely while reliably blocking insects, pollen, and dust from entering. They're the perfect renter-friendly solution, easy to put up, easy to take down, and gentle on door frames. The Moskill magnetic fly screen door is the ideal solution for anyone who wants effective, hassle-free protection without any permanent commitment.