Insect Netting 101: Ultimate Guide to Greenhouse Insect Netting

Introduction

Do you have a problem with pests in your greenhouse?
If so, then you need to invest in some high-quality insect netting.
Insect net is a physical barrier that will keep out pests of all shapes and sizes, including aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.
It’s an absolute must-have for any serious greenhouse grower.

In this article, we’re going to give you a crash course in insect nets or garden netting.
We’ll cover everything from the different types of netting available on the market to how to properly install it in your greenhouse.

By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be an expert on all things greenhouse insect netting!

What is Insect Netting?

Insect netting, also known as insect protection net or insect mesh, is a type of light physical barrier that is used to keep out pests.
It’s made from a variety of materials, including polyethylene， polyester, polyethylene, and nylon. Of these, polyethylene ones are the most common.

Insect nets and garden netting is available in a variety of different mesh sizes, from small (1mm) to large (5mm) and all of them have neat edges.

Garden netting is an extremely effective way to keep pests out of your greenhouse. It’s also much cheaper and easier to install than other pest control methods, like chemical insecticides.

why do you need it in your greenhouse?

Some farmers ask,

“Why do I need these nets? I have insecticide and that’s all I need?”

Insecticides kill insects, but they don’t prevent them from coming back. In fact, they can make the problem worse by killing off natural predators of pests like ladybugs and praying mantises. It’s a short-term solution that can lead to long-term problems.

By contrast, insect nets are a long-term solution to pest problems because they prevent pests from reaching their food source in the first place. They provide the same protection as an umbrella: by providing cover over your crops, they protect them from getting wet or damaged by wind gusts—and they keep out pests too!

Insect nets have many advantages that insecticides cannot replace.

Effective barrier blocks

If you have a problem with pests in your greenhouse, then the insect protection net is a must-have. It’s an extremely effective physical barrier that will keep out all sorts of pests to protect your crops, including aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.

Insect-proof net is also much cheaper and easier to install than other pest control methods, like chemical insecticides.

Prevent bacteria and viruses

By preventing insects from entering the greenhouse, we can effectively prevent many bacteria and viruses from affecting the greenhouse. This is because many insects spread these problems.

Backed by science, insect nets have been shown to be an extremely effective form of pest control in greenhouses.

In a study conducted by the University of California, Davis, insect netting was shown to reduce the number of whiteflies and thrips by up to 95%.

Reduce insecticide needed

The study also found that insect netting can significantly reduce the amount of insecticide needed to control other pests in a greenhouse.

And pesticides don’t just reduce plant yields, they also have an impact on the quality of the plants.

Insecticides can also have a harmful effect on humans ( the growers and the people who eat these plants). Many countries have laws that limit the use of pesticides in agriculture.

Increase plant yields and quality

Evidence-based research has shown that insect-proof netting can increase plant yields by up to 50%.

Other Benefits

Other than that, insect exclusion netting also provides a physical barrier against the wind and the sun. This can be extremely beneficial for young seedlings and delicate plants that are prone to damage from these elements.

How does insect netting work?

Insect netting works by physically blocking pests from entering the greenhouse. The tiny holes in the netting are too small for most insects to squeeze through, so they’re effectively kept out.

This physical barrier will also keep out larger pests, like birds and rodents.

Because of the use of the physical barrier feature, insect guard mesh is also commonly used in areas where chemical pesticides are not allowed or not desired to be used.

The insect screens control the invasion of pests and at the same time ensure ventilation of the indoor environment. By providing protection from wind and shade, insect screens also help to regulate the micro-environment in agricultural cultivation.

Insect-proof netting is an indispensable aid in agricultural growth.

How do you use insect-proof mesh?

Insect netting is very easy to use. Simply drape it over your greenhouse or cover the raised beds and secure it in place with insect-proof tape, staples, or weights. You can also put insect nets directly over your row cover or hoops. Make sure that the netting is taut so that pests can’t squeeze through any gaps.

When using it, we also need to make sure that all areas are covered. Because the pest is so small, even the tiniest gap can let them in.

To be extra safe, you can also add an insect-proof barrier around the ground or the base of the greenhouse.

You should also regularly check the pest netting for holes or tears and repair them immediately.

How to keep insect fabric from tearing?

The most common cause of insect netting tearing is physical damage. That’s why it’s important to handle the netting with care and avoid sharp objects that can puncture it.

Another way to prevent insect nets from tearing is to choose a high-quality product. Insect nets that’s made from durable materials, like polyethylene, are less likely to tear than cheaper options.

When you’re not using it, store insect mesh netting in a cool, dry place. And make sure to inspect it for holes and tears before each use.

How to choose Insect Net?

5 types of Regular Insect Nets

When it comes to insect mesh, there are a few different options to choose from. The type of netting you need will depend on the specific pests you’re trying to keep out and the size of your greenhouse.

The anti-insect netting we can provide includes 5 types as follows:

How to choose?

There are so many products, how do I choose? Is there any basis for choosing?

Here we offer 2 options for you to choose from, so you can choose your insect screen according to your own situation.

1. Choice by the kinds of pests

If you want to keep out smaller pests, like thrips and whiteflies, you can use a smaller mesh size. For larger pests, like caterpillars and beetles, you’ll need a larger mesh size.

For example, the size of thrips is generally 2-3mm, and the size of the whitefly is 3-4mm, so the mesh size can be 1.8*1.8mm or 2.0*2.0mm.

As for the caterpillars, the common ones are 5-6mm, and the big ones can be more than 10mm, so the mesh size can be 3.0*3.0mm or 4.0*4.0mm.

For tiny insects, such as cabbage root flies, carrot flies, and leek moths, some extra small mesh insect screens are needed.

The insect netting EyouAgro provides has different mesh sizes and also can be customized according to your desired size and the width and length of the fabric of the anti-insect net.

Here is a list of our regular products depending on pests.

2. Choice by the types of your crops

Another option is to choose according to the plant you are growing.
Because each plant has pests that it attracts.
That is, some bugs like the plant, while others do not like it.
So just target the pests that feed on your plant.

For example,

if you’re growing crops like tomatoes, you’ll need to keep out caterpillars, thrips, and whiteflies.
If you’re growing cucumbers, you’ll need to keep out cucumber beetles, aphids, and whiteflies.

Here are the insect nets products chosen by different crops.

Points to note when selecting

Now you know how to choose insect netting, but there are still a few things to keep in mind when making your selection. Here are a few things to consider:

-The material of the insect-proof mesh. The most common materials are polyester, nylon, and polyethylene. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

-The mesh size of the insect fabric. As we mentioned before, the mesh size should be chosen according to the specific pests you’re trying to keep out.

-The width and length of the insect screen. The size of your greenhouse will determine the width and length of insect netting you need.

-The price of the insect netting. insect row cover netting can be found for a wide range of prices. But remember, you get what you pay for. Cheaper options are more likely to tear and will need to be replaced more often.

Which crops need insect netting?

Insect netting is used to keep out a wide range of pests, including caterpillars, beetles, whiteflies, thrips, and aphids. Insect nets can be used on a variety of crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, and cabbage.

There are also many flower seedlings that are planted in the insect net shed, such as roses, chrysanthemums, lilies, etc.

Other plants that can be protected by insect netting include:

–Fruits trees, such as apple trees, pear trees, peach trees, and citrus trees.

–Vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, and spinach.

–Herbs, such as basil, oregano, and thyme.

Where to buy insect nets?

You can buy insect netting online or at a local gardening store. Insect nets are typically sold by the linear foot, so you’ll need to know the dimensions of your greenhouse before making a purchase.

When buying insect netting, be sure to compare prices and quality. Cheaper options are more likely to tear and will need to be replaced more often. insect netting can be found for a wide range of prices, so be sure to shop around to find the best deal.

FAQ：

What is the best for insect netting?

The best insect netting is the one that meets your specific needs. Consider the type of pests you’re trying to keep out, the size of your greenhouse, and your budget when making your selection.

Does insect netting work?

Yes.

Insect netting is an effective way to keep out a wide range of pests, including caterpillars, beetles, whiteflies, thrips, and aphids.

How long does insect netting last?

More than 5 years.

The lifespan of insect netting depends on the quality of the material. Cheaper options are more likely to tear and will not last long.

EyouAgro’s insect net can last for more than 5 years. Because it is made with a special UV stabilizer and high-quality polyethylene.

Is it better to choose a smaller mesh for insect protection?

No.

It is not the case that the denser the mesh the better. This is because if you choose a mesh that is too small it can affect the ventilation inside the mesh and have an adverse effect on the plants.

Conclusion

Insect netting is a must-have for any gardener or farmer.
It’s an effective way to keep out a wide range of pests, and it can be used on a variety of crops.
Insect netting is typically sold by linear foot, so be sure to measure your greenhouse before making a purchase.

EyouAgro is a special manufacturer of insect netting with more than 20 years of experience.
Our insect netting is made with a special UV stabilizer and high-quality polyethylene, which makes it last for more than 5 years.

We also can offer other agriculture nets including bird netting, hail netting, shade cloth, and related accessories they need.

If you have any insect netting needs, please feel free to contact us!