Garden netting creates a physical barrier that can help protect your plants, fruit trees, and vegetables from squirrels. By covering your garden or individual plants with netting, you make it much harder for squirrels to access and damage your crops. Look for netting with small mesh openings—typically 1/4 inch or less—to prevent squirrels from squeezing through. Be sure to secure the edges tightly to the ground or garden bed, as squirrels are persistent and may try to get underneath. While netting can reduce squirrel activity, results may vary depending on your setup and local wildlife habits.

Squirrels have strong teeth and can sometimes chew through lightweight plastic netting or thin mesh.

• Wire mesh with a smaller gauge (such as hardware cloth or chicken wire) is generally more resistant to chewing.
• For best results, choose a heavy-duty, galvanized, or vinyl-coated wire mesh with openings of 1/4 inch or less.
• Plastic netting may be suitable for temporary use, but metal options tend to offer longer-lasting protection.

The "5 7 9 rule" is a guideline for placing bird feeders to help deter squirrels, not a rule for netting. It suggests hanging feeders at least 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet away from a structure, and 9 feet from a jumping-off point.

• When using netting in your garden, focus on securely covering plants and closing gaps where squirrels might enter.
• Consider combining netting with other deterrents, like baffles or raised beds, for added protection.

Choosing the right netting depends on what you want to protect and your local squirrel activity.

• Mesh size: Look for netting with small openings (1/4 inch or less) to keep squirrels out.
• Material: Metal mesh (like hardware cloth or chicken wire) is more durable than plastic netting.
• Size: Measure your garden or plants to ensure you get enough coverage.
• Ease of use: Some netting comes with drawstrings or zippers for easy access.

Proper installation is key to making netting effective against squirrels. Here are some tips:

1. Anchor the netting: Secure the edges to the ground with stakes or landscape staples to prevent squirrels from sneaking underneath.
2. Overlap seams: If using multiple pieces, overlap them and tie or clip together to close gaps.
3. Check for gaps: Regularly inspect the netting for holes or loose spots and repair as needed.
4. Allow plant growth: Leave enough slack for plants to grow without pressing against the netting.