Fit insect mesh and wildlife-safer crop netting

When to do it

Before pests reach the crop; allow for pollination at flowering.

What you need

• Mesh appropriate to the target pest
• Stable frame
• Secure edge fixings

How to do it

1. Choose mesh for the actual pest. Bird netting may not exclude insects. For household crop netting, use openings no larger than 5 mm by 5 mm at full stretch as a wildlife-safer baseline and check your local rules; this limit is mandatory in Victoria.
2. Inspect plants first so you do not enclose an existing infestation.
3. Fit netting taut over a frame clear of foliage, with no loose loops. Secure edges and provide an opening you can close after harvest or watering.
4. Plan pollination: uncover flowers when insect access is required, or use a suitable hand-pollination method. Re-secure afterwards.
5. Check daily for damage or trapped animals. Contact a wildlife rescuer for entanglements; never handle a bat. Remove and securely store unwanted netting.

What success looks like

• The crop is enclosed without gaps or loose entangling folds.

Watch out for

• Draping large loose mesh over fruit.
• Forgetting pollinators or letting plants press against insect mesh.

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