Insect screening for your greenhouse, which one to pick?

There are many different screens for reduction of almost any type of insect or pest. The challenge lies in matching the type of screen to the insect or pest you wish to restrict entry into the greenhouse.

For crops that suffer from pests during a limited part of the growing season, lighter‐duty, less expensive screens will work.
For handling multiple pests at different points in the growing season (Ex. aphids‐spring, thrips‐summer, and whiteflies‐fall) select a more restrictive screen.
Use lighter screens for short‐term interior zones and for periodic use when pests appear in large numbers.
Use heavier more rigid screens for protection against sun, wind, rain hail, snow and wear and tear from equipment and workers brushing against it.

What about thrips, are they too small for screening?
Even though thrips are small enough to fit through most screens with good airflow, it has been shown in many cases that they can be dramatically reduced with the white screens designed for whiteflies. It is theorized that these screens are effective due to the white color of the screens and the thrips' inability to recognize the material as something to feed on.

What is the basic range of insect sizes?
Insects range in sizes from 215 micrometers (western flower thrips) which is barely visible to the naked eye, to 608 micrometers (Serpentine Leafminer) which is easily diverted by screens.

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