Using Wildlife-Safe Netting to Protect Your Fruit

How to Use Safe Netting to Protect Both Your Fruit and Native Wildlife

Gardeners and fruit growers across Australia face a common challenge: protecting their produce while ensuring the safety of our unique wildlife. The use of inappropriate netting has led to a concerning increase in animal entanglements, affecting a wide range of native species. Here’s how to select and install wildlife-safe netting, allowing you to protect your fruit trees without harming our local fauna.

The Entanglement Issue

Wildlife rescuers frequently respond to calls involving animals trapped in garden netting. These incidents affect a diverse array of Australian wildlife, including:

• Bats (both micro and fruit bats)
• Birds (such as lorikeets and other native species)
• Reptiles (including pythons and lizards)
• Mammals (like brushtail possums)

These entanglements can cause severe injuries or fatalities to the animals involved, highlighting the need for safer netting practices.

Selecting Safe Netting

When choosing netting for your garden, consider the following:

1. The Finger Test – Safe netting should not allow you to push your finger through the holes. This simple test can help you quickly assess whether a netting product is suitable.
2. Mesh Size – Opt for netting with holes of 5mm or less. This fine mesh prevents animals from becoming entangled while still effectively protecting your fruit.
3. Legal Requirements – Be aware that in some Australian states, it’s illegal to use netting with holes larger than 5mm. Always check your local regulations before purchasing.
4. Netting Types:
   • Fine mesh netting: Look for products specifically designed to be wildlife-safe.
   • Fruit bags: These are excellent for protecting individual fruits and are easier to manage.
   • Exclusion netting: Consider this option for protecting larger areas or multiple trees.

Proper Installation Techniques

Correct installation is essential for ensuring the safety of wildlife:

1. Secure the netting tightly – Fasten it firmly to the tree trunk or ground to prevent animals from accessing the underside.
2. Use a supporting frame – This keeps the netting taut, reducing the risk of entanglement.
3. Regular maintenance – Inspect your netting frequently for tears or loose sections. Replace damaged netting promptly.
4. Seal all openings – Ensure there are no gaps where animals might enter and become trapped.

The Broader Impact

By choosing wildlife-safe netting, you’re contributing to the conservation of Australia’s unique ecosystem. Every animal that safely avoids entanglement in your garden is a positive step for our native wildlife.

As stewards of our environment, it’s our responsibility to find solutions that allow us to cultivate our gardens while protecting the diverse wildlife that makes Australia unique. By selecting appropriate netting and installing it correctly, we can enjoy our home-grown fruit without putting native animals at risk.

Next time you’re planning to net your fruit trees, take a moment to consider your choices. With the right approach, we can create gardens that are both productive and wildlife-friendly, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with our native fauna.