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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsProtect young trees, shrubs and newly planted woody plants by enclosing them completely in fine insect netting with openings no larger than 1/4 inch. Secure the bottom tightly around the trunk or plant base so cicadas cannot crawl underneath. Install the cover before females begin substantial egg laying, leave it on through that period, and remove it after the adults die. Established mature trees generally tolerate cicada injury, while vegetables, flowers, fruit and other garden produce do not need covering.
Which plants are most at risk?
Young and newly planted woody plants
Prioritize saplings, young ornamental trees, fruit trees and shrubs with pencil-sized or similarly small twigs. Female cicadas can slit these twigs to insert eggs. The resulting damage may cause branch tips to turn brown and hang down, a symptom often called flagging.
Mature trees
Large, established trees usually withstand the injury without special treatment. You can still monitor valuable specimens, but complete enclosure is generally most worthwhile on smaller plants whose twigs are easy for females to reach and damage.
Vegetable and flower gardens
Cicadas do not eat leaves, flowers, fruits or garden produce, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ordinary vegetables, annual flowers and other nonwoody crops therefore do not need cicada netting.
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- Ultra-Fine Mesh Netting: Large size 10x33 feet provides more security. Ultra fine garden netting has a 0.1mm x0. 1mm ultra-fine mesh, effectively protects vegetables, fruits and flowers.
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- Lightweight & See-through: Ultra-light garden insect net, just 1.23 pounds in weight.., no harm to your plants you can cover it directly on the plants. The square mesh of our garden mesh screen allows water, sunlight and air through without opening it, which will make you more ease to plant and save your time.
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How cicadas injure plants
Periodical cicadas spend either 13 or 17 years underground, with the cycle and emergence date varying by species and geography (University of Illinois Extension, 2024). Once adults emerge, females make small slits in woody twigs for their eggs. This physical egg-laying injury—not feeding on foliage—is the main concern for young plants. Nymph feeding on roots is usually minor.
Choose netting that actually excludes cicadas
Verify the measured opening size rather than relying on a product name such as “bird netting.” The material must be fine enough to keep females away from every twig.
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| Feature | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh opening | 1/4 inch or smaller | Small openings block female cicadas from reaching twigs. |
| Coarse bird netting | Around 5/8 inch or larger | Purdue Extension warns that this size is too open; females can pass through or reach twigs and lay eggs. |
| Coverage | Enough material to enclose the entire crown and sides of the plant | Partial coverage leaves reachable twigs exposed. |
| Material | Breathable, lightweight insect netting or comparable fine plant-protection fabric | Airflow and light can continue while insects are excluded. |
| Base closure | A tie, clip, band or other method that closes the opening around the trunk or soil line | An unsecured bottom lets cicadas crawl underneath. |
| Durability | Fabric and fasteners rated to remain intact for the expected emergence and egg-laying period | Holes, tears or loosened ties create entry points. |
How to cover a young tree or shrub
- Inspect the plant. Check for tears, weak branches and a shape that can support a loose enclosure. Correct hazards before installing the net.
- Measure for full coverage. The net must extend over the top and down all sides, with extra material at the bottom for fastening. Do not leave exposed gaps around branch tips.
- Install before heavy egg laying. Put the cover on before females are actively making numerous twig slits in your area.
- Drape without trapping branches against the fabric. Leave enough room for the crown to move and grow during the short protection period. Avoid weighting or bending delicate twigs.
- Close the bottom completely. Gather the net around the trunk or plant base and secure it with suitable ties, clips or a band. Check the soil line and trunk flare for openings.
- Inspect regularly. Look for rips, pulled seams, loose fasteners and cicadas that may have entered before the closure was tightened. Repair or refasten promptly.
When to install and remove the cover
Emergence dates differ by brood and location, so use local extension alerts and observations to time installation. The critical deadline is before females begin significant egg laying. Keep the netting in place through the egg-laying period. Once the adult cicadas have died, remove it so the plant is not unnecessarily enclosed and so you can inspect every twig.
What to do about flagged or egg-laden twigs
After the egg-laying period, inspect young woody plants for brown, drooping branch tips, visible slits or clusters of eggs. Prune affected twigs and destroy the cut material according to local extension recommendations. Removing damaged twigs limits the chance that developing eggs or nymphs remain on the plant and improves the plant’s appearance. Avoid indiscriminate pruning of healthy branches.
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Should you spray insecticide?
Routine insecticide spraying is generally a poor substitute for exclusion. University of Illinois Extension states that insecticides are less effective than netting for protecting smaller trees and shrubs. Sprays can also harm beneficial organisms and animals that feed on cicadas. For a young plant, correctly installed fine mesh provides a physical barrier without coating the surrounding garden.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- EASY TO USE & CUT FREELY: This package includes 1 pack of garden plant netting (10 ft x 50 ft / 3 m x 15 m). Simply drape it directly over blueberry bushes, fruit trees, or vegetable rows, and secure the edges with stones, soil, or stakes. Suitable for all seasons, this vegetable garden netting cover can also be cut to any custom size or shape as needed
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A quick protection checklist
- Identify young, newly planted trees and shrubs with small twigs.
- Buy fine insect netting with openings no larger than 1/4 inch.
- Cover the whole plant, not just the upper canopy.
- Seal the bottom around the trunk or base.
- Install before substantial female egg laying begins.
- Check the fabric and fasteners during the emergence.
- Remove the net after adult cicadas die.
- Prune and dispose of flagged or egg-laden twigs after the egg-laying period, following local extension guidance.
- Do not spend time covering ordinary vegetables, flowers or fruit solely because cicadas are present.
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