Keeping the bugs out

Berserker · 29 Jun 2006 at 10:53

I have a big fan in the window to help cool my PCs at night. Unfortunately, because it covers about half an open window. Light-seeking insects have a tendency to get themselves eaten by it, and I'm in direct line of fire for the results.

Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions for keeping the insects out of the fan (I don't mind them flying around the light, but I'd rather not have bits of dead ones shot at me). Something like the mosquito mesh used in hotter climates might work, but it doesn't appear to be readily available here.

Please, sensible suggestions - mustard, fire, and orbital nuclear installations will not fix this problem.

basmic · 29 Jun 2006 at 10:54

Put a piece of net curtain over the opening of the window. Works a treat every time, while still allowing cool air in. :cool:

ElRazur · 29 Jun 2006 at 10:55

Install a net mesh at the window? install an insect catcher/electrocutor?

Berserker · 29 Jun 2006 at 10:55

Attaching it securely would be the problem. Easy with wooden frames, but not so easy with uPVC ones.

basmic · 29 Jun 2006 at 10:56

Berserker said:
Attaching it securely would be the problem. Easy with wooden frames, but not so easy with uPVC ones.

Velcro strips.

I'm fairly sure you can get sticky back velcro strips.

Pudney · 29 Jun 2006 at 10:56

Entice a spider to make it's home just behind the fan!

This is also a challenge, so bonus points if you can get it to work!

Glaucus · 29 Jun 2006 at 10:58

just put a pair of tights over the fan.. (i'm assuming the fan has some sort of guard on it)

Berserker · 29 Jun 2006 at 11:02

You would assume correctly, but at 20" fan blade diameter that's going to be one mighty big pair of tights. :eek:

Hadn't thought of the velcro idea, but it would need attaching somehow (to the fabric), and I'm not to be trusted around sharp pointy things (and I'm not suicidal if that's what you're thinking).

Pudney · 29 Jun 2006 at 11:03

Berserker said:
You would assume correctly, but at 20" fan blade diameter that's going to be one mighty big pair of tights.

Hadn't thought of the velcro idea, but it would need attaching somehow (to the fabric), and I'm not to be trusted around sharp pointy things (and I'm not suicidal if that's what you're thinking).

Not sure on the style of fan, but a nice way of bodging the job would be to use large saftey pins to attach it, although they are sharp and pointy, danger should be at a minimum.

basmic · 29 Jun 2006 at 11:04

Get mumsie to sew a velcro strip onto the net curtain, while you put the other side of the velco strip onto the window frame.

Job done!

Glaucus · 29 Jun 2006 at 11:05

Berserker said:
You would assume correctly, but at 20" fan blade diameter that's going to be one mighty big pair of tights.

Hadn't thought of the velcro idea, but it would need attaching somehow (to the fabric), and I'm not to be trusted around sharp pointy things (and I'm not suicidal if that's what you're thinking).

must be some about... just surch large women clothing in google. remember they stretch well...

Alternativley do the same thing with net curtain just cut 2 round bits out sow together leaving big hole and slide over fan.

happytechie · 29 Jun 2006 at 11:27

Duck tape + a section of fine tights / stockings will do the trick perfectly.

I've used old tights as dust filters on intake fans for years now and never had a problem with them.

Paul

Berserker · 29 Jun 2006 at 11:31

I'm going to look a little odd going into a shop and buying tights now, aren't I? :eek:

Nice idea on the tape though. May not look pretty but gets the job done. Sometimes the most obvious ideas are the ones that get ignored.