Will Sheer Curtains Keep Mosquitoes

and Insects Out?

TLDR;

No, sheer curtains will not effectively keep mosquitoes and insects out. Their loose weave allows small bugs like mosquitoes to pass through easily, making them more decorative than functional when it comes to insect protection.

Sheer Curtains for Mosquito Protection: What You Need to Know

Mosquitoes slipping through your window coverings at night? Wondering, “Can sheer curtains really block bugs?” The short answer is no—sheer curtains are not designed to stop mosquitoes or insects from getting into your home. But that’s not the whole story. At Love Is Blinds AZ, we get asked about sheer curtains and bug control all the time, especially in Arizona where summer pests are relentless.

So let’s break down everything you need to know before you hang those breezy panels and expect peace from buzzing pests.

What Are Sheer Curtains Made Of? (And Why That Matters)

The effectiveness of a curtain against insects depends heavily on its fabric and weave.

Common sheer curtain fabrics:

• Voile – lightweight, semi-transparent cotton or polyester
  
• Gauze – loosely woven cotton blend
  
• Polyester Mesh Drapery – synthetic and more structured, but still breathable
  
  

Why weave matters:

• Sheer curtains are prized for airflow and softness, not barrier protection.
  
• Most sheer fabrics have open weaves that allow light and air to pass through—and unfortunately, mosquitoes too.
  
  

Comparison: Mosquito Netting vs Sheer Curtains

If you're serious about bug control, mosquito netting is built for the job, while sheer curtains are better suited for style and ambiance.

How Mosquitoes Get Into Your Home

It helps to understand your enemy. Mosquitoes aren’t just flying in randomly—they’re targeting your home based on cues like:

How they enter:

• Open windows and doors without screens
  
• Tiny gaps in window frames or door seals
  
• Through ventilation systems or chimneys
  
• Drawn by indoor lights at night
  
  

Why are mosquitoes so hard to keep out?

• They’re tiny—as small as 2–4 mm
  
• They’re attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat
  
• They thrive near standing water (check your plants, gutters, or pet bowls)
  
  

Even the smallest crack can be an open invitation. And if your sheer curtain is the only barrier? It’s not stopping much.

Do Sheer Curtains Block Mosquitoes?

No, they don’t. While they might reduce visibility and airflow slightly, most sheer curtains won’t block a determined mosquito.

Why Sheer Curtains Fall Short:

• Loose weave: Gaps between threads are large enough for bugs to fly through
  
• Lightweight material: Moves easily with air currents, creating space for entry
  
• No chemical repellents: Standard sheer fabric is untreated
  
  

Is there any way sheer curtains can help?

Only in limited situations—like when layering Sheer or Opaque curtains to combine style with better protection—can you get a minor boost in effectiveness.

• Double-layering with a tighter weave curtain (explore our Layering Curtains Guide for smart combos)
  
• Pairing with screen windows or magnetic mesh doors
  
• Using treated sheer fabric (like permethrin-based mosquito curtains), though this is rare and not commonly sold at big box retailers
  
  

So unless your sheer curtains are specifically made for insect control, they offer very little real protection.

How to Keep Insects Out with Curtains: DIY Hacks That Work

If you’re set on using sheer curtains, don’t worry—there are a few clever ways to boost their bug-blocking ability.

Try these DIY mosquito curtain hacks:

• Double up: Layer sheer curtains with blackout or tight-weave liners
  
• Use curtain sealants: Magnetic or Velcro edges can close gaps near window frames
  
• Install screen windows: Create a real physical barrier
  
• Spray natural repellents: Add citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus oil to your curtains (test first for discoloration)

Add-on accessories that help:

• Magnetic screen doors
  
• Tight-sealing window screens
  
• Tension rods to keep curtains flush with walls
  
• Floor-length drapes to reduce bottom-entry points
  
  

These won’t make your sheer curtains fully mosquito-proof—but they’ll make them more effective in combination.

Outdoor Sheer Curtains: Do They Keep Bugs Away?

Patio mosquito curtains are popular for a reason—they add privacy, soften sunlight, and look elegant.

But when it comes to bug control outdoors, sheer curtains still have limitations.

Pros of outdoor sheer curtains:

• Decorative and light-diffusing
  
• Add ambiance to porches and pergolas
  
• Provide a slight visual barrier to bugs
  
  

Cons:

• Do not block small insects effectively
  
• Wind can create entry points between panels
  
• Not treated for insect repellency by default
  
  

Better solutions for patios:

• Install mosquito net panels designed for patios
  
• Use zippered screen enclosures
  
• Combine sheer curtains with citronella candles or outdoor insect traps
  
  

Sheer panels may look great flowing in the breeze—but mosquitoes love that breeze too. The gaps and motion make it easy for them to sneak in.

How to Clean Mosquito-Proof Curtains (And Why It Matters)

Even if your curtains are treated or tightly woven, dirty fabric attracts bugs.

Dust and residue can:

• Trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold
  
• Absorb body oils or food particles that lure insects
  
• Reduce the effectiveness of repellents
  
  

Curtain maintenance tips:

• Wash voile or gauze curtains every 1–2 months
  
• Avoid fabric softeners if you’ve used repellent sprays
  
• Check for mildew or mold, especially in humid climates
  
• Vacuum curtains weekly to remove dust and insect eggs
  
  

Clean curtains not only look better—they perform better too when it comes to keeping pests out.

Best Window Treatments to Stop Insects

If sheer curtains aren’t cutting it, consider upgrading to insect-specific window coverings.

Better alternatives:

• Magnetic screen doors – Ideal for high-traffic entryways
  
• Pleated mesh panels – Great for sliding doors or large windows
  
• Roller insect screens – Discreet, retractable, and effective
  
• Tightly woven blackout curtains – Reduce light and entry points

Choose based on your lifestyle—whether you need full-time protection, aesthetic appeal, or both.

Are Sheer Curtains Enough to Keep Mosquitoes Out?

To be clear: sheer curtains are not reliable mosquito protection. They look beautiful, soften a room, and allow light—but they lack the weave density and repellency needed to keep bugs at bay.

• Most sheer fabrics cannot block mosquitoes
  
• They can be part of a layered solution, but not the only one
  
• Mesh, netting, and screen-based alternatives offer better protection
  
• Outdoor use has similar limitations unless reinforced
  
  

If you love the look of sheer curtains but need insect control, combine beauty with function by layering or integrating treated fabrics.