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.
An insect net is a physical barrier that keeps out pests of all shapes and sizes, including aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.
It’s an absolute must-have for any severe greenhouse grower.

In this article, we will 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 install it properly in your greenhouse.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll be an expert on greenhouse insect netting!

What is Insect Netting?

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

Insect nets and garden netting are available in various mesh sizes, from fine (75 mesh) to large (17 mesh), and all have neat edges.

Garden netting is a highly 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. They can worsen the problem 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 covering 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

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

Insect-proof net is 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 it. Many insects spread these problems.

Backed by science, insect nets are an extremely effective pest control in greenhouses.

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

Reduce insecticide needed

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

Pesticides reduce plant yields and impact plant quality.

Insecticides can also hurt 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

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 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 physical barrier feature, insect guard mesh is also commonly used in areas where chemical pesticides are not allowed or desired.

Insect screens control pest invasions and ensure ventilation of the indoor environment. By protecting from wind and shade, insect screens also help 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, cover the raised beds, and secure it with insect-proof tape, staples, or weights. You can also put insect nets directly over your row cover or hoops. Ensure the netting is taut so that pests can’t squeeze through any gaps.

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

To be extra safe, 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 essential 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.

Store insect mesh netting in a cool, dry place when not in use. Inspect it for holes and tears before each use.

How to choose Insect Net?

5 types of Regular Insect Nets

There are several different options for insect mesh.
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:

Choose Right Mesh

Unsure about 25, 40, or 50 mesh，75mesh?

We’ll help you select the ideal option for your pest control strategy.

Request Mesh Guide

How to choose

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

Here, we offer 2 options to choose your insect screen according to your situation.

1. Choice by the kinds of pests

You can use a smaller mesh size to keep out smaller pests, like thrips and whiteflies. However, you’ll need a larger mesh size for larger pests, like caterpillars and beetles.

For example,
thrips are generally 2-3mm, and whiteflies are 3-4mm so that the mesh size can be 1.8* 1.8 mm or 2.0* 2.0 mm.

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

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

The insect netting EyouAgro provides has different mesh sizes and can also 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.

Stop Right Insects

Unsure which netting works best for whiteflies,  aphids, or thrips?

Let us match the right netting to your insect control needs.

Request Pest Advice

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 must 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.

Choose by Crop Type

Unsure which netting suits tomatoes, peppers, or greens?

Let us guide you to the perfect insect net for your specific plants.

Request Crop Guidance

Points to note when selecting

Now you know how to choose insect netting, but there are still a few things to remember. 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 advantages and disadvantages.

-The mesh size of the insect fabric. As mentioned, 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 must be replaced more often.

Which crops need insect netting?

Insect netting keeps out many pests, including caterpillars, beetles, whiteflies, thrips, and aphids. It can be used on various crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, and cabbage.

The insect net shed also contains many flower seedlings, such as roses, chrysanthemums, and lilies.

Other plants that can be protected by insect netting include:

–Fruits trees, such as apple, pear, peach, 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 must be replaced more often. Insect netting can be found at various prices, so shop around to find the best deal.

FAQ

What is the best for insect netting?

The best insect netting meets your specific needs. When selecting, consider the type of pests you’re trying to keep out, the size of your greenhouse, and your budget.

Does insect netting work?

Yes.

Insect netting effectively keeps out many 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 five 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 true that the denser the mesh, the better. If you choose a mesh that is too small, it can affect the ventilation inside the mesh and adversely affect 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 various crops.
Insect netting is typically sold by the linear foot, so measure your greenhouse before purchasing.

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 lasts more than 5 years.

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

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

Talk to Our Experts

Need guidance on crop protection solutions?

Connect with our specialists to discuss your needs and confidently start your project!

Reach out today