August 2022

Summer may be coming to a close as cooler temperatures seem like a promising relief for many parts of the country. But one thing remains along with the oppressive heat…bugs! For many of us, insects don’t disappear as fall approaches. Annoying critters can destroy our bountiful produce, beautiful blooms, and lush foliage. Growing concerns over the use of pesticides dictate demand for a cleaner, more organic option. The proven answer is insect screens, and no modern greenhouse should be installed without the proper insect barrier.

Insect screens are strong, UV stabilized, lightweight, easy to install, transparent, and easy to clean, making them the perfect choice for today’s greenhouse. Correctly installed, they prevent insect penetration while still providing maximum possible airflow. Screening your intake vents will produce dramatic results, but ALL greenhouse openings should also be screened.

Now let’s talk about screen varieties and how to choose! Anti-insect screen choices are differentiated by hole size or mesh size. Hole size accuracy and strong UV-resistant yarns will ensure the highest quality products from your greenhouse. You should choose mesh size according to the insects prevalent in your area. You want to target your mesh size according to the smallest pesky insect. The higher the mesh percentage, the smaller the insect that is prevented from entering your greenhouse. An added bonus with insect screens is some degree of shading. The highest mesh percentages available can provide as much as 50% shade.

Here is a handy chart that shows the size of some of the most common insects:

Next, let’s take a look at the different mesh varieties that Gothic Arch Greenhouses provide:

Mesh17 Protection Net

Technical Details

Maximum width (m) 5

For protection against fruit flies (Mediterranean fruit fly, fig fruit fly, olive fruit fly), grape moth, Prudencia, and Pomegranate fruit butterfly in orchards and vineyards. This net provides protection against climatic conditions such as hail, wind, and solar radiation excess, thus optimizing yield and fruit quality.

The net is made of strong monofilaments manufactured with special UV-resistant materials, giving the net durability and longevity. It has strong tucked edges and is flexible, light, and easy to spread.

Mesh 25 Protection Net – Improves Fruit Quality

Technical Details

Blocks penetration of fruit flies, birds, and bats into the crop environment.
The net significantly improves fruit quality by filtering out damaging sunrays and by preventing sunburn. It completely blocks hail impact, protecting crops from frost and breakage. It acts as a windbreak, creating a calm microclimate

and contributing to higher yields.

The net is made of monofilaments that are manufactured with special UV-resistant materials, giving the net durability and longevity. It has strong tucked selvages and is flexible, light, and easy to spread.

Mesh 40 Anti Insect Net for Shade Houses and Nurseries

Technical Details

UV resistance (years): 5
Maximum width (m): 5
Max. roll run (m): 300

To be used in the cultivation of flowers and vegetables in shade houses and nurseries.

The net is made of monofilaments that are manufactured with special UV-resistant materials, giving the net durability and longevity. It has strong tucked selvages and is flexible, light, and easy to spread.

Mesh 50 Anti-insect net – blocks penetration of insects

Technical Details

UV resistance (years): 5
Maximum width (m): 5
Max. roll run (m): 200

Blocks penetration of insects and protects against pests, such as tobacco Whitefly (Bemisia-tabaci), Leaf miner, Aphids, and Thrips.

To be used in the cultivation of flowers and vegetables in shade houses and nurseries.

The net is made of monofilaments that are manufactured with special UV-resistant materials, giving the net durability and longevity. it has strong tucked selvages and is flexible, light, and easy to spread.

Mesh 50 Anti-insect Grey Net

Technical Details

Maximum width (m): 5

For blocking whiteflies, aphids, leafminers, and other tiny insects’ entrance into the crop environment; widely used in vegetables, herbs, flowers, and nurseries that require reduction of solar radiation.

The net is made of strong monofilaments manufactured with special UV-resistant materials, giving the net durability and longevity. It has strong tucked edges and is flexible, light, and easy to spread.

Mesh 75 Protection Net

Technical Details
UV resistance (years): 5
Maximum width (m): 3
Color: Transparent

OptiNet 40 and 50 Mesh Dual Protection from Insect Penetration

Technical Details

Mesh shade 40: 44-46%
Mesh shade 50: 50-52%
UV resistance (years): 5

Fewer pesticides are needed to significantly reduce the number of insects entering the greenhouse structure. Dual protection significantly reduces the number of pests entering the structure, while maintaining adequate airflow and reducing costs.

OptiNet blocks penetration of insects in two ways:

• Optic protection: Insects are repelled by the screen’s optical additives.
• Physical protection: The fine 40 or 50 mesh screen provides a second line of protection

Who knew insect screening could provide not only insect resistance; but also shading and some protection from the elements, all while maintaining adequate airflow? All these features help reduce costs for production in your greenhouse, giving you the most for your greenhouse investment. Now that you know the details, track down the worst pesky offender in your area, and install some screening in your existing greenhouse, or let us know which mesh is best for your future greenhouse needs!