In a message dated 5/21/2004 10:57:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time, writes:

I would like to try using a fine
netting this year. (Netting seems to work against the cicadas). Would
white cheese cloth be appropriate? If not, can someone suggest another
netting material? Last summer the damage was done beginning on July
14th and lasted for about four days. Should netting cover
the pine for
two weeks or more (?) prior to July 14th?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Carol Schroeder
Maryland, Zone 7

Carol:

Unfortunately, nontoxic solutions, such as netting and cheese cloth are most likely going to fail at the expense of your tree. Cheese cloth will not allow enough light through to the tree, and once wet it is going to be a problem. Unless you are able to
purchase netting with extremely small openings, the damage is going to be done.

If the infestation is significant, you may incur irreparable damage to the tree. Despite what we would like to think, the use of insectides is sometime a necessity.

Cordially,

Michael Persiano
hometown.aol.com/iasnob

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