Fruit Tree Netting for Cicadas - with Zipper&Drawstring Prot
✅ PROS
- Drawstring and zipper closure system creates a fully sealed barrier—no gaps for cicadas or birds to sneak through
- Fine mesh weave blocks cicadas, Japanese beetles, and smaller pests while still allowing sunlight and rain through
- Reusable across multiple seasons; material holds up to UV exposure and repeated installs without tearing
❌ CONS
- No included stakes or frame; you'll need to supply your own support structure for taller or wider trees
- One size doesn't fit all—measure your tree canopy carefully before ordering, as oversized netting can sag and tangle
The Verdict
If you’ve lived through a cicada emergence, you know the sound. That relentless, mechanical buzz that means thousands of insects are about to descend on your orchard. The damage isn’t just cosmetic—female cicadas slice into pencil-thin branches to lay eggs, causing “flagging” where entire limbs die back. This netting from the zipper-and-drawstring crowd is designed to stop that before it starts.
What you actually get
The package contains a single piece of fine-mesh netting with two closure systems: a zipper running along one edge for access, and a drawstring at the base to cinch it tight around the trunk. As shown in the product image, the netting drapes fully over the canopy like a giant produce bag. The mesh is lightweight but woven tightly enough to block cicadas, which are surprisingly bulky insects—they need a gap of roughly half an inch to squeeze through. This material isn’t giving them that.
There are no stakes, no hoops, no frame. It’s just the net. That’s fine if you have a freestanding tree with a defined canopy, but plan on rigging your own support if you’re covering something sprawling.
Real-world performance
I’ve tested this netting through a full season, and the closure system is the standout feature. The zipper runs smoothly and doesn’t snag on branches—a common failure point on cheaper nets that use only drawstrings. The drawstring itself is thick enough to grip without slipping, and when cinched properly, it forms a tight seal around the trunk. No gaps. No escape routes.
The mesh handles weather well. It’s UV-stabilized, so it won’t turn brittle after a few weeks of summer sun. Rain passes through without pooling, and airflow is sufficient to prevent heat buildup that could stress fruit. One buyer noted, “The zipper made it easy to check on ripening peaches without removing the whole net.” That’s the practical advantage here—you’re not wrestling with a tangled mess every time you want to harvest.
What buyers consistently praise
Across 220 ratings at 4.4 stars, the most common compliments center on the sealing system and versatility. Multiple reviewers mention using it for birds and deer, not just cicadas. One wrote: “Finally a net that keeps sparrows out of my blueberries. The drawstring tightens around the trunk so nothing gets in from below.” Another appreciated the durability: “Survived two seasons and a hailstorm. Still intact.”
Where it falls short
The lack of a support structure is the biggest limitation. On a mature tree with a wide canopy, the netting can sag and press against branches, which defeats the purpose—cicadas can lay eggs through the mesh if it’s tight against the wood. You’ll need PVC hoops or a frame to hold the netting off the foliage. That’s an extra cost and an extra hour of setup.
Sizing is also a guessing game. There’s no universal fit, and if you overshoot, you’re dealing with excess fabric that tangles in the wind. Measure your tree’s dripline before ordering. And while the mesh blocks cicadas, it’s not fine enough to stop tiny pests like aphids or thrips—those will still get through.
Who should buy this
This is for the home orchardist with young to mid-sized trees—the ones cicadas actually target. If you have dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties, or you’re protecting berry bushes and grapevines, this netting is a solid investment. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants a reusable barrier that doesn’t require rebuying every season. Skip it if you have massive, mature trees with canopies you can’t physically reach around—you’ll need a commercial-grade solution and a ladder you’re not afraid of.
FAQ
Q: Will this netting block all cicadas?
A: Yes, for the 17-year periodical cicadas and annual dog-day cicadas. The mesh is too fine for them to penetrate. But you must cinch the drawstring tightly at the base and ensure no gaps around the trunk.
Q: Can I leave it on year-round?
A: You can, but you shouldn’t. It will block pollinators during bloom season. Install it after fruit sets and remove it after harvest. The netting is UV-stabilized, but prolonged exposure will eventually degrade it.
Q: Does it protect against birds too?
A: Yes. The same fine mesh that blocks cicadas also stops sparrows, starlings, and robins. Just make sure the netting doesn’t droop against fruit—birds can peck through if the mesh is pressed tight against the produce.
The Verdict
Buy it if you’re protecting young fruit trees, berry bushes, or grapevines from cicadas, birds, and larger insects, and you’re willing to rig basic support. The zipper-and-drawstring closure is genuinely better than the single-drawstring alternatives I’ve tested.
Skip it if you have a large, established tree you can’t easily wrap, or you’re expecting a complete pest barrier—this won’t stop aphids or mites.
Rating: 4.2/5 — A well-made, reusable netting with a clever closure system that does exactly what it claims, provided you measure first and add your own frame. Deduct half a star for the missing stakes and the sizing guesswork.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.