Ziptrak® Blinds vs Bugs: How to Keep Insects Out of Your Outdoor Area

Kawana Blinds Team14 January 2025 5 min readTips & Advice

The Sunshine Coast Bug Battle

Living in leafy suburbs like Buderim, Doonan, or Nambour, or near the water in Noosa, brings incredible lifestyle benefits. Unfortunately, it also means sharing your outdoor spaces with a variety of insects. As the sun sets and the humid coastal evenings set in, mosquitoes and midges can quickly ruin an otherwise perfect alfresco dinner.

Many homeowners try citronella candles or mosquito coils, but these only offer limited protection. The most effective way to reclaim your outdoor living area is by creating a physical barrier, and this is where Ziptrak® outdoor blinds truly shine.

The Ziptrak® Advantage: Sealed Tracks

Unlike traditional patio blinds that leave gaping holes on the sides, Ziptrak® blinds feature a unique track-guided system. The fabric is held securely in the side tracks, creating a complete edge-to-edge seal. This stops wind and rain, but more importantly, it eliminates the entry points that insects typically use to invade your space.

The Streamline Pelmet and Brush Insert Barrier

At Kawana Blinds, we manufacture premium Ziptrak® systems right here in our Warana factory. One of the most crucial features for bug protection is the optional Streamline Pelmet, which comes with a built-in brush insert barrier.

The brush insert closes the tiny gap at the top of the blind where the fabric rolls onto the tube. This meticulously designed barrier ensures that even the smallest crawling insects or persistent midges are kept out, providing a fully enclosed, comfortable environment.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Bug Protection

The fabric you choose for your blinds plays a pivotal role in insect control while balancing airflow and visibility.

  • 95% Vistaweave Mesh: Great for stopping larger insects like flies and mosquitoes, while allowing maximum coastal breeze to flow through your patio.
  • 99% Vistaweave Mesh: Features a tighter weave that is highly effective at stopping even the smallest midges and sandflies, perfect for homes near mangroves or dense bushland.
  • Clear PVC: Offers 100% blockout of all bugs and wind. It creates a complete seal but removes the natural airflow.

Practical Tips for a Bug-Free Patio

Pro Tip:

To maximise your protection, always lower your Ziptrak® blinds before dusk to establish the perimeter before mosquitoes become active. Additionally, installing a ceiling fan in your alfresco area can disrupt the flight path of any bugs that manage to slip in when doors are opened.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor space?

Contact Kawana Blinds today for a free measure and quote.

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