Bird Netting: Everything About this Essential Garden Tool

Gardening can be a therapeutic hobby and a source of fresh produce for many people. However, it can also be frustrating when pests like birds attack your plants.

They can cause significant damage to fruits, vegetables, and other plants, and preventing them from doing so can be challenging.

While various methods exist to control flying pest damage, bird netting is one of the most effective and affordable solutions. This blog post will discuss how to use it to protect your garden from flying and other pests.

What is bird netting?

Bird netting, often called anti-bird mesh or mesh fencing, is a lightweight, durable material to keep feathered friends and other pests away from plants. It is typically made from nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene and comes in various sizes, shapes, and colors.

Mesh fencing can be purchased online, at gardening, or hardware stores.

The primary purpose of an anti-bird mesh is to protect plants from insect hunters, but it can also be used to deter other pests like squirrels, rabbits, and deer.

It creates a shield that aves cannot fly through or land on. When the insect hunters try to land on the net, they cannot get a good grip and eventually give up and move on to other areas.

Types of bird netting

Various types of mesh fencing are available, each with pros and cons.

Here are some of the most common types of mesh fencing:

Knitted netting

It is a flexible and stretchy webbing that is made by interlocking threads. It is typically made from polyethylene or polypropylene and is available in different mesh sizes.

It is lightweight and easy to install, making it a popular choice for small gardens and home use.

Woven netting

It is a more durable type of mesh fencing made by weaving individual threads together. Crafted from nylon, this material comes in various mesh sizes to suit your needs.

It is more expensive than a knitted barrier but can last longer and is more resistant to tears and punctures.

Plastic netting

It is a type of knitted covering made from lightweight plastic. It is commonly employed for temporary avian control and is not as durable as other types of webbing.

Plastic netting is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making it a popular choice for gardeners on a budget.

Polypropylene netting

Crafted with synthetic fibers, this lightweight, resilient webbing is perfect for gardens and agriculture.

Nylon netting

This synthetic fiber shield is stronger than polypropylene and is used for commercial insect hunter control.

Choosing the right size and material

When choosing mesh fencing, it is essential to consider the mesh size and the material used.

The mesh size will depend on the type of plant you are trying to protect and the size of the insect hunters you are trying to keep out. For smaller moves like sparrows, a mesh size of 1/2 inch is recommended, while larger feathered friends like pigeons may require a mesh size of 1 inch or more.

The material used for the mesh covering will also affect its durability and effectiveness. Nylon shielding is more expensive but is more resistant to tears and punctures. Polyethylene and polypropylene shields are less expensive but more likely to be damaged by sharp objects or severe weather conditions.

How to install bird netting

Installing an avian barrier is relatively easy and can be done by following these simple steps:

1. Measure the area: Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover with anti-bird mesh. This will help you determine how much webbing you will need to purchase.
2. Choose the right netting: Select the appropriate type and size of ave mesh for your garden. Make sure it’s strong enough to withstand the weight of the feathered friends and won’t cause damage to plants or shrubs.
3. Gather the necessary tools: You will need stakes or poles to support the covering and ties or clips to secure it to the poles.
4. Install the poles: Install poles or stakes around the garden’s perimeter or the area you want to protect. The poles should be tall enough to allow clearance for plants or shrubs underneath.
5. Attach the netting: Spread the webbing across the poles and ensure it is evenly distributed. Bind or clip the webbing to the poles, ensuring it stays tight and secure.
6. Trim the excess: After firmly fastening it, use scissors or shears to trim any remaining webbing.
7. Check the netting regularly: Inspect your tent for any signs of damage and ensure its security. If you need to make repairs, don’t hesitate to patch up any holes or mend rips that may appear.
8. Remove the netting: Once the feathered friends season has concluded, take down your feeder and store it in a safe and dry area. This way, you can ensure that your beloved feathered friends will have their sustenance when they return next year.

Benefits of using bird netting

Using a barrier to cover your yard from avian wildlife can provide numerous benefits. One significant advantage is that it can protect crops and plants from bird damage.

These feathered friends can be attracted to ripe fruits, vegetables, or seeds in a garden and can cause significant damage by pecking, pulling, or eating them. The barrier can act as a shield and prevent our feathered friends from reaching the plants and crops, thus reducing the risk of damage.

Another benefit of using a cover in your garden is that it can increase crop yield and promote healthier plant growth.

When plants are free from these flying pest damage, they can grow to their full potential and produce more fruits, vegetables, or seeds. It also provides a microclimate that can help to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and protect plants from weather extremes such as frost, hail, or wind.

Using a screen in your garden can also reduce the need for harmful chemical sprays or other insect hunter control measures.

Chemical sprays can be toxic to other wildlife or the environment and even harm humans. Using a screen to keep these feathered friends away from your garden is a natural and non-toxic way to protect your plants and crops.

Additionally, the canopy provides a physical barrier that prevents flyers from accessing fruits, vegetables, or seeds, which can reduce food waste and provide more food for human consumption. This can lead to savings on grocery bills and promote healthier eating habits.

The enclosure is also a cost-effective option for insect hunter control, as it can be reused for multiple growing seasons. This makes it a sustainable and eco-friendly option for protecting your garden from them.

Moreover, a fence can help maintain your garden’s natural ecosystem by preventing disruption from aves’ activity. They can disturb the soil, spread seeds, and attract other wildlife to your garden, impacting the ecosystem’s overall health.

The fence can keep them out of the yard while allowing other wildlife, such as insects or pollinators, to thrive.

Lastly, using a canopy can protect your investment in your garden by reducing the risk of crop loss or damage. Gardeners invest time, money, and effort into growing their crops and plants, and a single feathered friend can cause significant damage in just a few minutes.

Tips for using bird netting effectively

A barrier or covering can shield your crops and plants from avian wildlife damage.

To maximize the effectiveness of your bird netting, keep these strategies in mind:

• Choose the appropriate size: When selecting a suitable size for your shield, ensure it is adequate to deter the insect hunters you are attempting to keep away. An opening that is too wide can permit them in, while an overly narrow one may cause them to become ensnared.
• Cover the entire area: Protect the area you want to shield with the covering, including the sides and top. This will prevent feathered friends from finding a way in from above or around the edges.
• Secure the covering: Use ties or clips to fasten the barrier securely to poles or stakes around the perimeter. Ensure that the protection is taut and does not sag or droop.
• Inspect the covering regularly: To guarantee the effectiveness of your protective weapon, inspect it regularly for any tears or openings that may let avians in. If you spot any damage, act quickly to fix it straight away!
• Use a sturdy frame: For larger shields or those prone to high winds, using a strong frame is essential for maintaining the integrity of your covering. A robust structure will ensure that your shield remains standing and secure so you can enjoy it without worry.
• Remove the covering carefully: When it is time to remove the mesh, do so to avoid damaging plants or crops. Fold or roll up the covering and store it in a dry place for future use.
• Consider alternative avian wildlife control methods: While a protective covering can be effective, it may not suit all situations. Consider other avian wildlife control methods, such as insect hunter repellents or scare devices, if they may be more appropriate for your needs.
• Educate others: If you have a community garden or other shared gardening space, instruct others on properly using the protective barrier to ensure everyone uses it effectively and safely.

Proper installation of bird netting

Installing protective mesh for insect hunters requires careful attention to detail to ensure the covering effectively safeguards your plants and crops.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly install the protective covering:

1. Measure the area to be covered: Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover with the control mesh to determine how much fabric you need.
2. Choose the appropriate material: When selecting what material to use, strive for something strong, long-lasting, and light enough to make installation a breeze. Polypropylene, nylon, and polyester are all dependable options.
3. Gather the necessary tools: You will need poles or stakes to support the protective covering and ties or clips to fasten the net to the poles or stakes.
4. Install the poles or stakes: Plant them around your designated area in a spaced manner so that they can hold up your fabric. If needed, excavate some holes for them to be firmly secured by either concrete or soil.
5. Fasten the material to the poles or stakes: Attach the fabric to one corner of your designated area. Move methodically around and secure it to each pole or stake with ties or clips until you’ve completed the entire perimeter. Ensure all fabric is pulled tight, with no loose, sagging edges.
6. Overlap the material: If necessary, overlap the net where two pieces meet to ensure no gaps for insect hunters to enter.
7. Trim the excess material: Once the material is securely fastened to the poles or stakes, use scissors or a knife to trim away any excess material.
8. Inspect the material regularly: Inspect the fabric regularly to identify any holes or tears that may allow aves entry. Promptly repair any damage discovered to guarantee the efficiency of your protective covering.
9. Remove the material carefully: When removing the protective covering, do so carefully to avoid damaging plants or crops. Fold or roll up the fabric and store it in a dry place for future use.

Consequences of neglecting your mesh fencing

Neglecting your bird netting can lead to many problems and render it ineffective in protecting your plants and crops from feathered friends’ damage.

Here are some of the potential issues:

Holes and tears

Over time, small holes and tears in the shielding may go unnoticed – yet these flaws proallowngry pests from damaging your crops.

If left unrepaired, you inadvertently allow raids, which could result in costly losses. To protect your plants and produce from such threats, regular maintenance of the nets must be done to reduce this risk.

Sagging and drooping

Flying pest barrier that is not properly maintained can sag and droop, providing a path for birds to get underneath and access your plants and crops.

Accumulation of debris

If left unattended, leaves, twigs, and other debris can build up on the covering and eventually weigh it down; this causes sagging or tearing and heightens the risk of damage. To avoid such a scenario from occurring, upkeep is imperative.

Damage from the weather

Rain, wind, and sun can all take a toll on the mesh fencing over time, making it more fragile. Without maintenance and upkeep of the mesh to keep your plants safe from pests, its effectiveness will decline further as the weather damages it even more.

Reduced lifespan

Neglecting the maintenance and care of an anti-bird mesh can drastically shorten its lifespan, causing you to replace it more frequently and adding extra cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using bird netting can be an effective way for gardeners to protect their plants and crops from avians.

Gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest free from avian destruction by choosing the appropriate netting material and properly installing and maintaining the webbing.