We continually research, develop, create, alternatives to pesticide application. Farmland insect exclusion. Saturation of fruits and vegetables with chemical pesticides is suspected to have irreversible detrimental health effects to humans and animals. Understanding each insect or pests anatomy abilities and inabilities guides us in mechanical design resulting in exclusion of protected areas. Reduction of chemical additives to crops.

Design: Insect-Exclusion Wall for Farmland

Purpose

To create a physical barrier that prevents pest insects from accessing crops while allowing beneficial pollinators (like bees) where needed, maintaining airflow, and ensuring practicality for farming operations.

Structure

Framework:

Material: Lightweight, durable aluminum or galvanized steel poles, spaced 5–10 meters apart, anchored into the ground.

Height: 2–3 meters tall, depending on the target insects (e.g., higher for flying pests like locusts).

Shape: A simple vertical wall or a slightly angled design sloping outward to deter climbing insects.

Barrier Material:

Fine Mesh Netting: Use agricultural-grade insect netting with a mesh size of 0.6–1 mm (small enough to block most pest insects like aphids, whiteflies, and beetles, but adjustable for specific pests).

Material Type: UV-resistant polyethylene or polyester for durability under sun exposure.

Color: White or light-colored to reflect heat and reduce stress on plants near the edges.

Base Protection:

Buried Foundation: Extend the netting 30–50 cm underground and secure it with a concrete or gravel trench to prevent burrowing pests (e.g., grubs or ants).

Skirt: Add a 1-meter-wide fabric or plastic skirt along the ground outside the wall, weighted down with soil or rocks to stop crawling insects.

Access Points:

Gates: Install double-entry gates (like an airlock) with overlapping mesh flaps to allow machinery and workers in while minimizing insect entry.

Seals: Use Velcro or magnetic strips to ensure tight closure.

Pollinator Management:

Adjustable Panels: Include sections with larger mesh (e.g., 4–6 mm) that can be opened during pollination season to allow bees and other beneficial insects, then closed when protection is prioritized.

Bee Hives: Place hives inside the perimeter if pollination is needed year-round.

Additional Features

Wind Resistance: Add diagonal support braces or flexible netting to withstand strong winds without tearing.

Monitoring: Install sticky traps or pheromone traps along the interior to detect breaches and monitor pest pressure.

Maintenance: Use modular sections for easy replacement of damaged netting.

Considerations

Cost: Balances between affordable materials (e.g., polyethylene netting) and durability. A rough estimate might be $5–$15 per linear meter, depending on quality and scale.

Climate: Ensure ventilation to avoid heat buildup; in humid areas, consider antifungal treatments for the netting.

Target Pests: Customize mesh size and height based on local insect threats (e.g., larger for grasshoppers, finer for thrips).

Effectiveness

Blocks 90–95% of pest insects (depending on seal quality and maintenance).

Reduces pesticide use, promoting organic farming.

May need occasional inspection to patch holes or clear debri