Frequently Asked Questions About Bird Netting

Whether you're a first-time buyer or dealing with a recurring bird problem, these questions come up again and again. Here are clear, practical answers to the most common bird netting concerns.

Q: Birds keep getting under my netting — what am I doing wrong?

This is the most common complaint, and the answer is almost always the same: there's a gap somewhere. Birds are surprisingly persistent and will exploit even a small opening. Walk the entire perimeter of your installation and check at ground level as well as at height. Pay particular attention to corners, junctions around pipes or vents, and anywhere two sections of netting overlap. Secure all edges with cable ties at 200mm intervals and peg the base of the net firmly to the ground or wall.

Q: My bird netting is sagging — is this a problem?

Yes. A sagging net creates pockets where birds can land and perch, and it may eventually sag enough to allow entry around the edges. Sagging is usually caused by insufficient perimeter tension, too few internal support points, or the net stretching over time due to UV degradation. Re-tension the perimeter wire, add intermediate support points for wide spans, and if the netting material itself has stretched and weakened, it may be time to replace it.

Q: Will bird netting harm the birds?

Correctly installed bird netting does not harm birds — it simply prevents them from accessing an area. The risk of bird entanglement occurs when netting is loose, incorrectly sized (mesh too large), or left without regular checks. For garden use, choose fine mesh to prevent birds from inserting their heads, keep the net taut, and check it regularly. Black-coloured netting is also more visible to birds, reducing the chance of accidental collision.

Q: How long does bird netting last?

Lifespan depends on the material and environmental conditions. As a general guide:

  • UV-stabilised polyethylene: 5–10 years in typical outdoor conditions
  • Heavy-duty knotted nylon: 10+ years with quality fixings
  • Polypropylene garden netting: 2–5 years depending on sun exposure and handling

To maximise lifespan, store netting when not in season, avoid kinking or tearing during installation, and use stainless steel fixings rather than galvanised ones that will rust.

Q: What mesh size do I need to keep sparrows out?

Sparrows and similar small birds require a mesh size of 19mm (¾ inch) or smaller. The standard 50mm pigeon netting will not exclude sparrows — they'll pass straight through. For mixed bird pressure, use 19mm mesh as a universal choice that excludes virtually all common pest bird species.

Q: Can I install bird netting myself, or do I need a professional?

For most garden and simple residential applications — covering a fruit tree, netting a balcony, or protecting a vegetable bed — DIY installation is entirely practical with the right materials and some patience. For rooftop installations involving working at height, large commercial areas, or structural anchoring, professional installation is strongly recommended for both safety and effectiveness.

Q: My netting is full of holes after winter — can I repair it?

Small holes and tears can be repaired with netting repair tape or by lacing a patch of matching netting over the damaged area. However, if the netting has become brittle, has widespread UV degradation, or has multiple large holes, replacement is more cost-effective than extensive patching. A compromised net gives birds numerous opportunities to enter and provides false confidence that an area is protected.

Q: Does bird netting block light to plants growing underneath?

Modern bird netting is designed to allow good light transmission. Fine garden netting typically blocks only a small percentage of incoming light, which is negligible for most fruiting plants and vegetables. Using black rather than white netting can slightly reduce light transmission, but the difference is minimal in practice. If light is a critical concern — for example, over a greenhouse — choose the finest, most open-weave netting available.

Still Have Questions?

Bird netting is a practical, adaptable solution — but getting the details right makes all the difference. If your situation isn't covered here, take the time to assess your specific bird species, the area to be protected, and the installation constraints before purchasing. Getting those fundamentals right will solve most problems before they arise.