1. Black Insect Mesh: Use fine - mesh black mesh during the sweltering summer months, while a loose - mesh three - ply black mesh is sufficient for winter. It can keep out butterflies, birds and moths.
2. Insect Net: It is mainly used for Brassicaceae plants. Specifically, I only use the anti insect net for those Brassicaceae varieties that are severely infested by flea beetles, such as pak choi, flowering Chinese cabbage and leaf mustard. In contrast, flea beetles barely feed on Brassicaceae plants with thick leaves, so black mesh is enough for them. It should be noted that the edges of the insect - proof net must be tightly covered with soil; otherwise, even a tiny hole will allow flea beetles to get in.
3. Mesh Insect Bags: To protect tomatoes from birds, I put one mesh bag over each cluster of tomatoes. However, mesh bags are ineffective against fruit flies and serve no purpose other than bird prevention.
4. Non - Woven Insect Barrier Bags: Non - woven bags work well for protecting summer melons from fruit flies. But the bags must be put on right after pollination. That is exactly how I managed to save my luffas from damage.