Hello all, I didn't know where to post this.

Often in the warmer parts of Mediterranean countries there are these long fluffy string 'curtains' over shop doors to keep the flies out. Like beaded curtains, but made of ruffley fabric stuff. Think of those cheap plastic 'leis' you get at Mardi Gras or the like, though made more of a hemp-like material. It must have a name? Can't find anything online, but ten thousand European shopkeepers can't be keeping this a secret!

Wish I had a picture, but don't,sorry. Hope someone knows what these items might be called and where in the US they might be found. Ikea does not have them so far as I can tell.

Thanks for any help!
Alecto

Hi Alecto,

I don't know what they're called but I've seen very colorful ones here in WA, mostly on one of the islands - I think the hardware stores carry them. I'll check around and re-post. Are you looking for something asthetically pleasing or just to keep the flies out?

Laura

Well, I've found out they are called "door blinds" and "walk through door curtains". However, most sites that sell them are in the UK.

Hi Alecto,

Is this what you are looking for

http://www.onevillage.co.uk/walk-through-curtain.htm#02552

Sandra

quote:

However, most sites that sell them are in the UK.

And yet they are not really popular in the UK since extended periods of heat or flies are not a major problem in the summer(more the trying to keep dry thing,if last summer and this spring so far is anything to go by!)

I do remember multicolour strips to walk through for the kitchen doors in the 60s, but haven't seen them for a long time.

Panda,

That's exactly what I found, multi-colored strips. I've seen them in businesses on a local island around here. It's a wonder the local hardware doesn't sell them!

Well I think you guys ('ya'll' in my vernacular) have the notion.

Chachalaca, it's fly prevention (and bee and spider and and wasp and ...) aesthetics are of little concern! These blinds just always looked really useful and really cheap in Europe. They're on doorways anywhere where there are flies. My folks live on Whidbey Island, so maybe they could lead me to a place they could buy a similar item?

SandraK those are kind of the thing though they're more fluffy and less beady!

Cheers and thanks to all!

Alecto

Alecto,
I know for sure that the public library in Langley has one hanging every summer. Maybe your folks can call in there!

Laura

Well, using Chachalaca's name for them - door curtains - I did a google search and found, among other listings, that Target has a variety of styles for not much money. Not the fuzzy Italian kind, but something that might work.

Judy

I've also seen those at a friend's house. I think I saw some at the local mall, too.

They really are everywhere here in Europe ( especially warmer areas) and we have been looking for one for our motorhome. We see lots of people using them on their doors, but haven't found the place to buy them yet. Funny.

They are strange looking,but seem to serve the purpose. We had one in our village home last winter in Spain.

How about this "drop screen" from Vermont Country Store:
http://tinyurl.com/58gvrp

It's not so decorative, but might serve the same purpose?

My thanks again! Con, that drop screen might work. I'll hold out for the whatsit that WT has seen, but I too wonder why it's so hard to find.

My Mum goes to Langley routinely chachalaca, I'll have her check with the library about theirs!

Thanks all!
Alecto

We went camping with our RV this weekend at a beach near Jerez and as luck would have it, there was a beautiful RV nearby that had one of those things on the door.

So we asked the man where he got it. He was from Madrid and said that he ordered it from a store online! Of course it is in Spanish and in Spain, so probably won't do either one of us any good.

I will post if I hunt one down somewhere. I am on the lookout too.