Insect netting is a versatile agricultural tool that protects crops from harmful pests.
However, its effectiveness depends on the crop type and the specific requirements of the growing environment.
Understanding which crops benefit most from insect netting and its limitations is crucial for growers.
Types of Crops Suitable for Insect Netting
Insect netting works for a wide range of crops, but different crops require different mesh sizes depending on their pest risks.
Generally, insect netting is most effective for:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Leafy greens
- Brassicas
Below are detailed descriptions and technical recommendations for each crop type.
Vegetables
Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens are among the most common crops to benefit from insect netting.
Studies have shown that high tunnels with insect netting can reduce pest incidence and improve yields — especially in cherry tomatoes.
👉 Note: Slight yield reductions may happen if the mesh is too fine, limiting pollination or light penetration.
How Insect Netting Protects Vegetables
- Blocks aphids, whiteflies, leaf miners
- Reduces virus-vector insects
- Prevents fruit damage and contamination
- Stabilizes microclimate in summer heat
Recommended Mesh Size for Vegetables (Technical Insight)
| Crop | Main Pests | Recommended Mesh | Why This Mesh Works | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Whiteflies, thrips | 50 Mesh (0.77 × 0.27 mm) | Fine enough to block small pests while allowing airflow | Best for greenhouses & net-houses |
| Peppers | Aphids, mites | 40–50 Mesh | Blocks aphids & mites, adequate ventilation | 40Mesh preferred in hot climates |
| Leafy Greens | Flea beetles, caterpillars | 60 Mesh | High exclusion for tiny beetles | Best for organic growers |
| Cucumbers | Whiteflies, beetles | 40 Mesh (0.77 × 0.40 mm) | Good balance between airflow & exclusion | Ideal for warm climates |
Fruits
Insect netting protects thin-skinned fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and apples, which are vulnerable to pests such as Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD).
Fine mesh netting can effectively exclude small-bodied flies, making it ideal for organic growers.
Additionally, apple orchards have experienced significant reductions in pest populations when covered with insect netting.
How Insect Netting Protects Fruits
- Prevents SWD infestation (blueberries, cherries)
- Reduces apple codling moth & leafroller attacks
- Maintains fruit quality & reduces pesticide usage
Recommended Mesh Size for Fruits (Technical Insight)
| Fruit | Key Insects | Recommended Mesh | Why This Mesh Works | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberry | SWD (Drosophila suzukii) | 25–32 Mesh | Mesh size <1.0 mm effectively blocks SWD adults | Mandatory for organic berry growers |
| Apple | Codling moth | 40 Mesh | Smaller vertical opening prevents moth entry | Combine with pheromone traps |
| Cherry | Fruit flies | 40–50 Mesh | High exclusion rate, reduces oviposition | 50Mesh ideal for high-value orchards |
| Strawberry | Thrips, aphids | 50–60 Mesh | Prevents fruit scarring & virus-vector insects | Best for tunnels & greenhouses |
SWD (Drosophila suzukii) Mesh Size – Key Takeaway from All Studies
Research indicates otherwise:
📌 Scientific Consensus
👉 Any net with minimum aperture < 1.0 mm can effectively block SWD adults,
as long as the net is installed tightly and without damage.
Key Study
Rachel E. Schattman (2015) reported that:
- A net with 1.0 × 0.6 mm openings (≈ 25–32 mesh range)
- Successfully prevented SWD from entering berry fields
- Dramatically reduced oviposition and fruit damage
Reference:
Rachel E. Schattman, Victor Izzo and Yolanda H. Chen(2015). Exclusion Netting for Managing Spotted Wing Drosophila on Berry Farms
This aligns perfectly with your product specifications:
| Mesh | Opening Size | SWD Blocking Ability |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Mesh | 0.77 × 0.77 mm | ✔ Effective |
| 32 Mesh | 0.60 × 0.60 mm | ✔ Highly effective |
| 40 Mesh | 0.77 × 0.40 mm | ✔ High exclusion |
| 50 Mesh | 0.77 × 0.27 mm | ✔ Ultra high exclusion |
Leafy Greens and Spinach
Leafy greens, including Indian spinach, lettuce, kale, and amaranth, benefit strongly from insect netting.
Because these crops are highly attractive to flea beetles, caterpillars, and leaf miners, fine mesh netting greatly improves survival and leaf quality.
Research indicates that combining insect netting with organic fertilizers significantly boosts yield.
This combination creates a stable microclimate while keeping the leaf surface clean and pest-free.
Recommended Mesh Size for Leafy Greens
- 32 Mesh (0.60 × 0.60 mm): Best for excluding tiny beetles
- 50 Mesh: Acceptable for general protected cropping
Extra Benefit for Soil Moisture & Microclimate
Netting reduces wind speed and prevents leaf desiccation, thereby increasing biomass.
Brassicas
Brassicas thrive under insect netting because they are highly susceptible to cabbage moths, aphids, and caterpillars.
The netting prevents egg-laying while allowing beneficial insects to survive in a controlled micro-ecosystem.
How Insect Netting Helps Brassicas
- Blocks moth egg-laying
- Reduces pesticide spray cycles
- Allows beneficial insects to survive under controlled ecosystems
Recommended Mesh Size for Brassicas
| Crop | Main Pests | Recommended Mesh |
|---|---|---|
| Cabbage | Cabbage moth, aphids | 32–50 Mesh |
| Broccoli | Caterpillars | 40–50 Mesh |
| Cauliflower | Flea beetles | 25-32 Mesh |
Limitations and Considerations
While insect netting is highly versatile, several practical considerations must be evaluated before installation:
1. Crop Size & Growth Habit
Large or tall crops (e.g., raspberries, tall tomatoes) may require frames, hoops, or full net-house structures.
2. Pollination Needs
Fine mesh netting may reduce access for bees, especially for crops like:
- Tomatoes (buzz-pollination)
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
Solutions include:
- Installing bee hives inside the net-house
- Using larger mesh (25–32 mesh)
- Rolling up netting during flowering
3. Cost & Maintenance
Fine mesh nets (50–75 mesh) cost more and reduce airflow, requiring stronger support structures.
Regular inspection is necessary to prevent tears or gaps.
Customer Experience
Organic Blueberry Farm (Spain)
A farm struggling with SWD infestation installed 32mesh Insect netting.
Results:
- 20% increase in yield
- significant reduction in pest damage
- improved fruit quality and shelf life
The grower reported that netting became the most reliable part of their organic IPM strategy.
Cabbage Grower in Australia
After installing 50 Mesh insect netting:
- pest pressure dropped sharply
- plants grew more uniformly
- yield increased by 15%
The netting also allowed beneficial insects to thrive, creating a balanced environment that further enhanced plant health.
FAQ – Insect Netting for Crops
Why Is Insect Netting Effective for Organic Farming?
Because it provides physical exclusion instead of chemical control.
It reduces pests like whiteflies, aphids, beetles, and fruit flies while allowing beneficial insects to thrive.
What mesh size should I use for fruit fly protection?
- Blueberries: 25–32 mesh
- Cherries: 40–50 mesh
- Apples: 40 mesh
Mesh sizes <1.0 mm are sufficient for fruit fly control.
Does insect netting increase crop yields?
Yes.
By reducing pest pressure, stabilizing the microclimate, and preventing environmental stress, most farmers see yield increases of 10–30%.
Does insect netting affect pollination?
Yes, fine mesh (40–75 mesh) can restrict bee entry.
Solutions include:
- Opening net sides temporarily
- Using bumble bees inside greenhouses
- Choosing 25–32 mesh during flowering
Can insect netting reduce pesticide use?
Absolutely.
Most growers report a 40–90% reduction in pesticide applications after installing netting.
Is insect netting suitable for windy areas?
Yes, but a larger mesh (17–25 mesh) provides better wind resistance.
Fine mesh nets require stronger support structures.
Conclusion
Insect netting is one of the most effective tools for protecting a wide range of crops from pests.
While vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, and brassicas all benefit from netting, selecting the correct mesh size is crucial.
When implemented correctly, insect netting:
- Reduces pest pressure
- Increases yields
- Improves quality
- Supports organic production
- Creates a stable microclimate
Choosing the correct mesh (25 / 32 / 40 / 50 / 75) is key to success.
Protect Your Crops with Effective Insect Netting!
At EyouAgro, we offer a full range of insect netting options tailored to crop type, climate, and pest pressure — helping growers achieve healthier, more productive farms.
Need help choosing the right insect netting?
Contact us today for expert advice.
