Anti-Insect PVC Strip Curtains UK | Yellow Fly-Deterrent Strip Curtains | Free Delivery

Anti-Insect PVC Strip Curtains UK | Yellow Fly-Deterrent Strip Curtains

Anti-insect PVC strip curtains are yellow, citronella-infused flexible PVC barrier strips designed to deter flies, wasps, mosquitoes and other flying insects from entering buildings. The yellow pigmentation makes the strips partially opaque to insects — whose vision is attuned to ultraviolet and blue wavelengths — while the embedded citronella acts as a natural chemical repellent. Used across commercial kitchens, food factories, agricultural sheds and outdoor dining areas throughout the UK, these curtains provide a continuous, walk-through pest barrier that requires no power and no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.

Browse our full range of PVC strip curtains or read on for a complete technical guide to anti-insect strip curtains — including specifications, installation, food law compliance and a full product comparison.

What Are Anti-Insect PVC Strip Curtains?

Anti-insect PVC strip curtains are manufactured from food-grade flexible PVC compounded with two active insect-deterrent properties: a yellow pigment and a citronella fragrance infused throughout the material. Unlike standard clear PVC strips, which offer no deterrent effect, anti-insect strips work on multiple sensory levels to discourage insect entry.

The strips hang vertically from a wall-mounted or door-frame bracket, overlapping one another to create a near-seamless barrier across a doorway or opening. Humans and goods pass through easily by parting the strips, which return immediately to position — maintaining the pest barrier at all times. The strips are manufactured from the same base PVC compound as standard industrial strip curtains, meaning they carry the same mechanical durability and temperature resistance.

Anti-insect PVC strip curtains are not a catch mechanism. They do not trap or kill insects. Instead, they act as a passive deterrent — a physical and sensory barrier that insects are reluctant to cross. When used alongside other integrated pest management (IPM) measures such as fly killers, door seals and staff training, they form a robust layer of insect control appropriate for food-grade environments.

Why Yellow? The Science Behind the Colour

The yellow colour of anti-insect strip curtains is not decorative — it is functional. Insects, particularly flies, wasps and mosquitoes, perceive the world primarily through ultraviolet (UV) and short-wavelength visible light. Their compound eyes are most sensitive to wavelengths in the UV-A (320–400 nm) and blue-green (400–550 nm) range. Yellow light, which sits in the 570–590 nm range, falls largely outside the peak sensitivity of most flying insect species. As a result, yellow surfaces appear visually less attractive — and in some cases effectively opaque — to insects navigating by sight.

Studies on fly behaviour have demonstrated a consistent preference for surfaces in the UV and blue-violet spectrum, with yellow surfaces eliciting significantly fewer landings. This principle is well established in horticulture (yellow sticky traps exploit the same biology) and has been applied to industrial pest control through the development of yellow strip curtain materials.

In addition to the visual deterrent, anti-insect PVC strip curtains contain citronella oil or citronella-derived compounds infused into the PVC matrix during manufacturing. Citronella is a naturally occurring essential oil extracted from lemongrass and has been used as an insect repellent for over a century. When blended into PVC, it provides a low-level, continuous release of volatile compounds that insects find aversive. The combination of visual deterrence and olfactory repellent creates a two-layer passive defence that outperforms either mechanism in isolation.

Key Applications for Anti-Insect PVC Strip Curtains

Commercial Kitchens and Restaurants

Commercial kitchens are one of the highest-risk environments for flying insect contamination. Open preparation surfaces, exposed food products, hot equipment and the frequent movement of staff between kitchen and service areas all create opportunities for insect ingress. Anti-insect PVC strip curtains are commonly fitted across back-of-house doorways, delivery entrances, pass-throughs between kitchen zones and external access points. They allow kitchen staff to move freely while maintaining a continuous pest barrier — something a conventional door cannot achieve without obstructing workflow.

Bakeries and Confectionery Production

Bakeries present a particularly acute insect attraction due to the combination of yeast aromas, sugar and warmth. A single fly contaminating exposed dough or finished product can render an entire batch non-compliant. Anti-insect strip curtains are routinely specified for bakery loading docks, proofing room doorways and external ventilation openings where insect ingress is a persistent risk.

Butchers and Meat Processing

Meat and fish processing premises face some of the most stringent requirements under UK and EU food hygiene legislation. Bluebottle flies and blowflies in particular are attracted to exposed meat products and can deposit eggs within minutes of landing. Anti-insect strip curtains fitted to chiller room entrances, butchery preparation areas and delivery bays provide an effective passive barrier. The yellow PVC is also compatible with the cold-store temperatures typical of meat processing environments, maintaining flexibility down to -10°C.

Food Factories and Processing Plants

Large-scale food manufacturing facilities must comply with BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety and equivalent audit schemes, all of which require documented pest management procedures including physical barriers at all potential insect entry points. Anti-insect PVC strip curtains satisfy the requirement for a functional insect barrier at doorways where rigid doors would impede operational flow. They are particularly valued at high-traffic doorways between production halls and external loading areas. For a detailed guide to PVC strip curtain requirements in food manufacturing environments, see our food factory PVC curtains guide.

Care Homes and Healthcare Facilities

Residential care homes and healthcare settings have dual requirements: maintaining hygiene and preventing insect ingress without compromising the dignity, warmth or comfort of residents. Anti-insect strip curtains fitted to garden access doors, dining room patio exits and kitchen service doors provide an unobtrusive insect barrier that residents can pass through easily. The yellow colouration is visually distinct and easy to see, reducing the risk of accidental collision for elderly or visually impaired individuals.

Agricultural Buildings and Farm Sheds

Agricultural buildings — particularly livestock housing, grain stores and feed preparation areas — are persistently affected by flies, which spread disease among animals and contaminate stored feed. Anti-insect PVC strip curtains fitted to shed entrances and openings reduce fly ingress significantly, contributing to animal welfare standards and reducing the incidence of fly-borne conditions such as summer mastitis in cattle. They are also effective in poultry housing, where fly pressure on bird welfare and litter hygiene is a recognised production challenge. See our dedicated agricultural and farm PVC curtains guide for full installation guidance in agricultural settings.

Outdoor Dining and Hospitality

Covered outdoor dining areas, beer gardens with pergola roofing and hospitality spaces with open-sided structures present particular challenges during warmer months. Anti-insect PVC strip curtains can be fitted across the open sides of covered structures, at access points between indoor and outdoor areas, and across service hatches to create a passive insect barrier without permanently enclosing the space. The yellow strips are generally accepted by planning authorities as a functional fitting rather than a structural change.

Waste Management and Skip Hire Facilities

Waste transfer stations, recycling facilities and refuse handling areas attract significant fly populations. Anti-insect PVC strip curtains fitted at the entrances to waste processing buildings reduce fly ingress and help contain odour — improving working conditions and reducing pest management costs. The heavy-gauge variants (3mm thickness) are specified for these applications due to the higher mechanical wear from vehicle movements and robust handling.

Food Law Compliance: Why Anti-Insect Barriers Are a Legal Requirement

Under Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs — which remains applicable in the UK via the retained EU law framework and is enforced by the Food Standards Agency — food business operators are legally required to ensure that food premises are designed, constructed and maintained to prevent the entry of pests including insects. Annex II, Chapter I of the Regulation requires that food premises have "adequate facilities for pest control" and that "windows and other openings to the outside... prevent the accumulation of dirt and... allow adequate cleaning." More directly, Chapter I(2)(d) requires that premises protect against "the accumulation of dirt, contact with toxic materials, the shedding of particles into food and the formation of condensation or undesirable mould on surfaces."

The Food Standards Agency's guidance on compliance with these requirements states that all external doors and openings in food preparation areas should be fitted with effective pest-excluding barriers. Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) conducting food hygiene inspections under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme will assess whether adequate insect exclusion measures are in place. A failure to provide functional insect barriers at doorways can result in a reduced hygiene rating, improvement notices or — in severe cases — formal enforcement action.

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plans for food businesses should document insect exclusion as a prerequisite programme. Anti-insect PVC strip curtains, when properly installed and maintained, can be cited as a control measure within the HACCP plan documentation. Businesses should record the installation date, strip dimensions, cleaning schedule and any maintenance actions to demonstrate due diligence to auditors and EHOs.

It is important to note that anti-insect PVC strip curtains are a deterrent and barrier, not an absolute exclusion system. They should be used as part of a broader pest management programme including fly-killer units, door seals, waste management procedures and staff training. However, they represent a significant and auditable control measure that satisfies the spirit and the letter of UK food hygiene legislation at high-traffic doorways where rigid door-closing is impractical.

Technical Specifications

Strip Widths

Anti-insect PVC strip curtains are available in two standard widths: 200mm and 300mm. The 200mm width is typically used for standard commercial doorways up to 1,200mm wide, pedestrian access points and internal kitchen doorways. The 300mm width is specified for wider openings, industrial doorways and locations where faster coverage per strip is required to reduce the number of strips and associated installation hardware.

Strip Thickness

Two standard thicknesses are available: 2mm and 3mm.

  • 2mm thickness is suitable for pedestrian-only doorways, light-use commercial openings and indoor applications. It is lighter, easier to pass through and better suited to locations where the priority is minimising resistance to movement.
  • 3mm thickness provides greater rigidity, improved weather resistance and longer service life in high-traffic or outdoor applications. It is the standard specification for food factory loading docks, agricultural shed entrances and waste management facilities.

Overlap Requirements

Effective insect exclusion depends critically on correct overlap. Anti-insect PVC strips must overlap adjacent strips by a minimum of 50% of the strip width (i.e., 100mm overlap on 200mm strips, 150mm overlap on 300mm strips). This overlap creates a multi-layer barrier with no gaps large enough for flying insects to pass through freely. In practice, most professional installations use a 50–60% overlap to ensure coverage while maintaining manageable pass-through resistance.

The number of strips required for a given opening width can be calculated as follows: divide the total opening width by the strip width, then add one additional strip. For example, a 1,000mm doorway fitted with 200mm strips requires six strips (5 × 200mm coverage + 1 additional for full edge coverage with overlap). Our online PVC strip curtain configurator calculates strip quantities automatically based on your opening dimensions.

Made to Measure

All anti-insect PVC strip curtains supplied by PVC Strip Curtains UK are available made to measure. Strips are cut to your specified length from standard roll stock, with lengths available from 500mm to 4,000mm. For non-standard openings, custom widths can also be manufactured to order. Made-to-measure supply ensures minimal waste, correct fit and the best possible insect exclusion performance. Standard lead time for made-to-measure orders is 3–5 working days.

Temperature Range

Anti-insect PVC strip curtains maintain flexibility across a working temperature range of -10°C to +50°C. This makes them suitable for chiller room entrances, cold-store access points and outdoor applications in the UK climate. At the lower end of the range, 3mm strips retain better rigidity and hang more cleanly than 2mm strips, which may be preferred in cold-store applications.

Material Compliance

The PVC compound used in anti-insect strip curtains is food-grade, RoHS compliant and free from prohibited plasticisers including DEHP, DBP and BBP. The citronella fragrance additive is compliant with REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. Material safety data sheets and food contact compliance certificates are available on request.

Installation Guide

Anti-insect PVC strip curtains are straightforward to install using standard hand tools. The following guide covers the standard wall-mounted bracket installation, which is appropriate for the majority of commercial doorway applications.

What You Will Need

  • Anti-insect PVC strip curtain kit (strips and mounting hardware)
  • Steel tape measure
  • Spirit level
  • Power drill with masonry or wood bit as appropriate
  • Wall plugs and fixing screws (supplied with bracket kits)
  • Screwdriver or impact driver
  • Hacksaw or angle grinder (if bracket trimming is required)
  • Safety glasses

Step 1 — Measure the Opening

Measure the clear width of the doorway or opening at the point where the strips will hang. Measure the height from the intended hanging point to the floor. Note both dimensions in millimetres. If the floor is uneven, measure to the lowest point to ensure all strips reach the floor. For openings with a raised threshold, strips can be cut slightly shorter to clear the threshold by 10–20mm without compromising insect exclusion.

Step 2 — Select and Prepare the Mounting Bracket

PVC strip curtains are hung from a continuous or slotted steel mounting bracket fixed above the opening. The bracket should be at least as wide as the clear opening width. Mark the bracket centre point and the fixing hole positions. If the bracket requires trimming to width, cut with a hacksaw and deburr the cut edge. Drill pilot holes through the bracket at 300mm centres for wall fixing.

Step 3 — Fix the Bracket

Hold the bracket in position above the opening — typically 20–30mm above the door frame soffit or lintel, centred on the opening width. Use a spirit level to confirm the bracket is horizontal. Mark fixing positions on the wall. Drill fixing holes to the correct depth for the wall plugs being used, insert plugs and fix the bracket with the supplied screws. Check the bracket is level and secure before proceeding.

Step 4 — Hang the Strips

Attach each strip to the bracket using the supplied hanging hooks or plates. Starting from one side of the opening, hang the first strip flush with the edge of the bracket. Hang subsequent strips with the correct overlap (minimum 50% of strip width). Check that all strips hang vertically and reach the floor (or within 10–20mm of it for threshold clearance). Adjust the hanging position of any strips that are not hanging plumb.

Step 5 — Check and Test

Walk through the installed curtain to confirm strips return cleanly to position after being parted. Check that there are no gaps at the sides or base of the curtain. Check that the overlap is consistent across the full width of the opening. If adjustments are needed, reposition strips on the bracket before finalising. For high-insect-pressure locations, a secondary overlapping row of strips (double-bank installation) can be added for enhanced exclusion performance.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Anti-insect PVC strip curtains require minimal maintenance but should be inspected and cleaned on a regular schedule — typically monthly in food environments, quarterly in agricultural settings. The following procedures maintain exclusion performance and extend service life.

Routine Cleaning

Clean strips with warm water and a mild detergent using a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe from top to bottom, removing grease, dust and any accumulated debris. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry naturally or wipe dry with a clean cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, bleach or steam cleaning equipment, as these can degrade the PVC compound and cause surface cracking or loss of the citronella fragrance barrier.

Inspection Checklist

  • Check for splits, cracks or tears — particularly at the top of each strip near the hanging point, where mechanical stress is greatest
  • Check that all strips are hanging vertically and have not been displaced from the bracket
  • Check that overlap is maintained across the full width of the curtain
  • Check that strips reach the floor (or threshold clearance point) and have not been cut short through wear
  • Check the mounting bracket fixings are secure and the bracket has not shifted

Strip Replacement

Individual strips can be replaced without removing the entire curtain. Simply unhook the damaged strip and hang a replacement. Replacement strips are available individually or in packs. Keeping a small stock of replacement strips on-site is recommended for food premises where continuous exclusion is a legal requirement. Under normal commercial use, anti-insect PVC strips typically have a service life of 12–36 months before replacement is necessary, depending on traffic volume and UV exposure.

Anti-Insect Strip Curtains vs Standard Clear Strips vs Fly Screens: Comparison

Feature Anti-Insect PVC Strips Standard Clear PVC Strips Rigid Fly Screens
Insect deterrence ✅ Active (visual + citronella) ⚠️ Passive (physical barrier only) ✅ Physical exclusion
Walk-through access ✅ Yes — hands-free ✅ Yes — hands-free ❌ Requires door operation
Forklift / pallet truck access ✅ Yes (with appropriate gauge) ✅ Yes ❌ Not typically
Temperature retention ✅ Good ✅ Good ⚠️ Limited
Visibility through barrier ⚠️ Reduced (yellow tint) ✅ Clear ⚠️ Partial
Food law compliance (EC 852/2004) ✅ Supports compliance ⚠️ Partial (no deterrent) ✅ Supports compliance
Installation difficulty ✅ Simple DIY ✅ Simple DIY ⚠️ More complex, frame required
Individual strip replacement ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ❌ Full screen replacement
Outdoor durability ✅ Good (UV-stabilised) ✅ Good ✅ Good
Typical cost (standard doorway) £40–£120 £30–£100 £80–£300+

Cost Guide

The cost of anti-insect PVC strip curtains depends primarily on the width and height of the opening, the strip width and thickness selected, and whether a mounting bracket kit is required. The following guide gives indicative price ranges for common installation scenarios. All prices include free UK delivery.

Small Domestic or Light Commercial Doorway (up to 900mm wide × 2,000mm high)

A standard doorway in this size range, fitted with 200mm × 2mm anti-insect strips and a wall-mounted bracket, typically costs £40–£65 for a complete kit. This covers five to six strips, the hanging bracket and all mounting hardware.

Standard Commercial Doorway (900–1,200mm wide × 2,000–2,200mm high)

A typical commercial kitchen or restaurant back-door installation using 200mm × 2mm or 200mm × 3mm strips costs approximately £65–£95 for a complete kit including bracket. Six to seven strips are typically required for a 1,200mm opening with 50% overlap.

Wide Industrial Doorway (1,800–3,000mm wide × 2,500–3,000mm high)

For loading dock or warehouse doorways using 300mm × 3mm heavy-gauge strips, costs typically range from £120–£250 depending on exact dimensions. Industrial bracket systems for wider openings are more substantial and represent a larger proportion of the total cost.

Made-to-Measure Pricing

Made-to-measure strips are priced per linear metre of PVC. Anti-insect strip is priced at a small premium over standard clear PVC — typically 10–15% more — reflecting the cost of the citronella compound and yellow pigment. For openings that fall outside standard dimensions, made-to-measure supply is cost-effective and ensures optimal insect exclusion performance. Use our online configurator or contact our sales team for a made-to-measure quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do anti-insect PVC strip curtains actually work?

Yes — anti-insect PVC strip curtains provide measurable insect deterrence through a combination of two mechanisms: yellow pigmentation that is partially invisible to insects whose vision is tuned to UV and blue wavelengths, and citronella fragrance embedded in the PVC that acts as an olfactory repellent. Independent studies on insect behaviour confirm that yellow surfaces attract significantly fewer flies than blue, white or transparent surfaces. Citronella is a well-documented insect repellent used in mosquito coils, candles and topical preparations for over a century. The combination of both deterrents in a single product makes anti-insect strip curtains significantly more effective at reducing insect ingress than standard clear PVC strips.

How long does the citronella fragrance last?

The citronella compound is infused throughout the PVC matrix during manufacturing — it is not a surface coating. This means the fragrance release is sustained throughout the service life of the strip, not just from the surface. In practice, the citronella effect diminishes gradually over time as the PVC weathers and the volatile compounds are slowly released. Most anti-insect strips retain effective citronella activity for 18–36 months under normal conditions. Strips used in high-temperature or high-UV environments may deplete the citronella content faster. When strips are due for replacement (typically every 1–3 years), new strips will restore full citronella activity.

Are anti-insect PVC strip curtains suitable for food contact areas?

Yes. The PVC used in anti-insect strip curtains is food-grade and manufactured without prohibited plasticisers (DEHP, DBP, BBP). The citronella additive is compliant with REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. The strips are not intended to be in direct contact with food products, but they are suitable for use in food preparation and processing environments as a non-contact barrier. Material safety data sheets and food contact compliance certificates are available on request and can be included in HACCP documentation.

Can I use anti-insect strip curtains on a cold store or chiller room entrance?

Yes. Anti-insect PVC strips maintain flexibility down to -10°C, making them suitable for chiller room and cold-store doorways. The 3mm thickness is recommended for cold-store applications as it retains better hang characteristics at low temperatures and provides additional thermal insulation compared to 2mm strips. Cold-store installations help reduce fly ingress to chilled environments — a common problem in meat processing and fresh produce storage facilities.

Do anti-insect strip curtains need planning permission?

In most cases, no. Fitting PVC strip curtains to an existing doorway is considered a minor alteration that does not require planning permission. However, if the premises is a listed building or in a conservation area, it is advisable to check with the local planning authority before installation. For commercial food premises, fitting effective insect barriers may be a condition of a food hygiene improvement notice, in which case installation should be completed promptly and documented.

What is the difference between 200mm and 300mm strip width?

The strip width determines how many strips are needed to cover a given opening and the handling characteristics of the curtain. Narrower 200mm strips create a more flexible curtain that is easier to part and returns more quickly to position — preferred for pedestrian doorways and high-frequency pass-throughs. Wider 300mm strips cover more of the opening per strip, require fewer hanging points and are more resistant to wind displacement — preferred for wider openings, outdoor applications and locations where vehicles or machinery pass through. Both widths are available in 2mm and 3mm thickness.

How do I clean anti-insect PVC strip curtains?

Clean with warm water and mild detergent using a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe strips from top to bottom and rinse with clean water. Do not use solvents, abrasive cleaners or bleach, as these can degrade the PVC and damage the citronella infusion. Do not steam clean. In food premises, cleaning should be scheduled monthly or more frequently if strips are visibly soiled. Document cleaning activities in the premises cleaning schedule as part of HACCP prerequisite programme records.

Can I cut anti-insect PVC strips to length myself?

Yes. Anti-insect PVC strips can be cut to length using a sharp craft knife, guillotine or heavy-duty scissors. Score and snap is not recommended as it can cause uneven edges that may curl over time. For clean, straight cuts on 3mm strips, a guillotine cutter or circular saw with a fine-tooth blade gives the best results. All made-to-measure orders are cut to your specified length before dispatch, so cutting on-site is only necessary if dimensions change after installation or if strips need trimming for threshold clearance.

Further Resources

For more detailed guidance on PVC strip curtain selection, specification and installation across different sectors, see the following resources:

All orders include free UK mainland delivery. Made-to-measure orders are dispatched within 3–5 working days. Standard stock sizes are dispatched next working day where stock is available.