What mesh size do I need to stop the Suzuki fruit fly?

Fruit growing faces a huge challenge. There are big cuts in crop protection products. But there are also more pests and insects, such as the Suzuki fruit fly (Drosophila suzukii). To win the battle against the Suzuki fly, there are several crop protection products. But there are also different insect nets available on the market. Let me take you through a study by WUR on which mesh size works and which does not.

Best mesh size to stop the Suzuki fruit fly

In the laboratory, suzuki fruit flies were put into pots covered with mesh. Outside the pots were strawberries. After 24 hours, they checked how many flies had crawled through the mesh and reached the fruit. Also, the average size of the mesh opening was determined.

According to this research from Wageningen, all types of insect nets with a mesh opening smaller than 1mm² completely stop the Suzuki fly. The limit lies at 0.92 x 1.25mm, according to WUR. At this size, 1 male Suzuki fly passed through within 24 hours. Of course, it is not a big deal if male fruit flies get inside your canopy. The bigger females lay the eggs and thus cause damage.

What Suzuki netting does FruitSecurity Holland use for its canopies?

FruitSecurity Holland has an insect net with a mesh size of 40 mesh. This means that the mesh size is 0,33mm x 0,77mm. This is more than enough to stop the Suzuki fly.

Click here for more information on insect netting!