Jaza Screens

For some, a mosquito bite may simply be an itchy nuisance. However, mosquitoes are also carriers of infectious diseases such as Malaria, West Nile virus. and Zika virus. Transmission of these vector-borne diseases most frequently occurs within and around the home. Therefore we created a solution that significantly reduced the number of mosquito bites inside the home, thus lowering disease transmission.

In the west, although construction is much more precise and the tolerances between building materials is smaller, there is still often a gap between the window/screen and the opening. This can be caused by temperature fluctuations or the weathering of surfaces. These cracks or gaps are a problem not just for insects but also for air infiltration, a major issue in cold climates. Hence, the practice of filling the gaps with sealants or caulk is quite common. Some of these sealants expand into place to completely fill the voids. They can be very effective but are expensive to install, often require special electric equipment, don’t weather well, and require reapplication.

Our solution focuses on the exterior envelope –stopping mosquitoes from entering in the first place. By installing screens that fit snugly in the window openings, eaves, and ceilings all the gaps and cracks can be closed, preventing mosquitoes from coming in. The snug fit is provided by an inflatable frame that adjusts and adapts to uneven surfaces. The frame can be inflated before or after installation. A regular bicycle pump can be used for inflating the rubber-like material of the frame. The screen itself made of flexible fabric is heat-fused onto the frame avoiding any gaps between it and the frame. We call them Jaza Screens with ‘jaza’ meaning ‘fill’ in Swahili.