The two meshes, in plain English
Most Florida pool cages use a standard mesh often described as an 18/14 weave — the numbers refer to the strands per inch in each direction. It handles mosquitoes and larger insects well and moves air freely.
No-see-um mesh — commonly a 20/20 weave — is woven tighter specifically to block the tiny biting midges that coastal and near-water homes know too well. If you've been bitten inside an intact screen enclosure, this is usually the mesh people are asking about.
The trade-offs to weigh
- Insect protection — the tighter weave is the whole point: it blocks insects small enough to pass some standard mesh
- Airflow — a tighter weave passes slightly less breeze; most people find it a minor difference, but it's real
- Visibility — finer mesh can read as slightly 'denser' visually, depending on light and color
- Debris and cleaning — tighter mesh can hold pollen and fine debris a bit more, so occasional rinsing helps
Where each one tends to fit in Naples
Homes near the Gulf, canals, mangroves, and preserves are the classic no-see-um cases — that's where the tiny biters are thickest around dawn and dusk. Inland lanais with a standard mosquito problem are often well served by standard mesh.
Some homeowners mix approaches by area of the enclosure. Whether that makes sense for your cage — and which mesh suits your framing — is confirmed by a technician during a free estimate.
Thinking about it as part of a rescreen?
Mesh choice is one of the factors that shapes a rescreening quote, so it's the perfect question to raise at estimate time. There's no pressure toward the pricier option — the right answer depends on where you live and how you use the lanai.
Quick answers
This guide is general information for Southwest Florida homeowners. Every enclosure is different — recommendations and pricing for your pool cage are confirmed after technician review.