Fig Tree Borer Netting

Question

Hi, I’m keen to see the fig borer netting in place with a picture, as I can’t really understand what you mean: Your best bet is to prevent fig tree borers by keeping your plant healthy and enclosing the base of the tree with a ring of fine mesh netting about 2 inches (5 cm.) away from the bark. This will prevent adults from depositing their eggs and can break the insect’s life cycle if you are vigilant. I have a brand new baby fig tree ready to plant and want to ensure it doesn’t ever get borer.

Answer 1

I can't find a photo either but you can purchase the fine, stiff netting (looks like a window screen) in a garden center or home improvement store. It needs to be fine enough that the beetle can't get through it. Use supports to hold the sheet of netting up, if needed, and place it about 2 inches from the tree all around from the base up to the first branches. This should prevent the long-horned beetles from laying eggs. Some sources say you can wrap the lower trunk in burlap but that can cause moisture to collect on the bark and cause mold and other problems.