6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Bird Netting

1. 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Bird Netting Bird netting is a practical and widely used method for protecting orchards, vineyards, and gardens. When installed correctly, it prevents birds and other pests from damaging fruit and vegetable crops, ensuring both higher yields and better-quality produce. Yet many farm owners and gardeners encounter problems when using netting simply because of poor choices or incorrect application. Being aware of the most common mistakes can help save time, money, and frustration. •Choosing the Wrong Type of Netting Not all netting is created equal. A common error is using material that is either too heavy or too light for the task. Lightweight garden mesh may suffice for small backyard trees but can tear easily in commercial orchards. On the other hand, industrial netting can be unnecessarily costly and difficult to handle for smaller projects. Selecting high-quality bird netting that matches the scale and conditions of the site is essential for long-term success. •Incorrect Installation Another frequent mistake is installing netting loosely. If the mesh is not pulled tight and secured properly, birds can become trapped inside or find gaps to enter. Netting that hangs too close to fruit trees also allows birds to peck fruit through the mesh. Good installation

2. requires sufficient tension, secure anchoring, and enough clearance so that the netting forms a protective barrier rather than a surface resting on the crop. •Ignoring Other Pests While bird protection is the main goal, overlooking other threats can undermine the effort. For example, fruit flies cause widespread damage to stone fruit and citrus crops. Using dedicated fruit fly netting with a finer weave can prevent infestations that ordinary bird mesh will not stop. Matching netting specifications to the type of pest pressure on the property ensures more comprehensive crop protection. •Forgetting About Weather Resistance Australian farms face extreme conditions, from intense sun to violent storms. Standard netting may deteriorate quickly under UV exposure or tear in strong winds. Some landholders make the mistake of relying on basic mesh where purpose-designed options are more suitable. For orchards in storm-prone areas, hail netting offers dual protection, shielding crops not only from birds but also from damaging hail events. •Neglecting Maintenance Even durable netting requires upkeep. Leaving small tears unrepaired or ignoring sagging sections reduces effectiveness and may allow pests to re-enter. Regular inspections, especially after storms or harvest, help extend the lifespan of netting systems. Simple actions such as patching holes or tightening fastenings can prevent larger, more expensive problems down the line. •Overlooking Legal and Environmental Guidelines In some states, wildlife protection laws regulate the type of netting that can be used, particularly around native birds and bats. Using non-compliant netting can lead to fines or create unnecessary risks for wildlife. Always check local regulations before purchase and installation to ensure the chosen system meets current standards. Bird netting remains one of the most reliable tools for protecting crops, but its effectiveness depends on the right choices and correct application. By avoiding common mistakes, such as poor installation, ignoring other pests, or failing to maintain the system, farm owners and gardeners can safeguard their harvests more effectively while reducing long-term costs.