[jimbarstow]

I'm trying to figure out what size wire mesh to use on a large walk-in cage to protect blueberries while making it easy for bees to get through. We live in a very rural area and have huge numbers of both honey bees and bumblebees due to the large number of flowering plants. In order to exclude finches, 1/2" is recommended. This seems too small for bees to get through easily. (Especially bumblebees.) 3/4" might work but it is almost impossible to find. 1" probably won't keep the finches out.

Alternatively, the cage (18'x12') has 2 3' wide doors. If I left these open, would the bees be able to find the plants inside?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JWPalmer]

Jim, I am not sure about the bumbles, but honey bees can easily navigate through 1/2" mesh openings or #2 hardware cloth.