2025 Vineyard Protection: Why Bird and Insect Pressure Will Increase This Year
May 1, 2025
Climate Change Is Intensifying Threats to Your Vineyard
As vineyard operators prepare for the 2025 growing season, a new comprehensive report reveals concerning trends in both bird and insect pest pressure. According to research compiled from leading agricultural universities including Cornell, Michigan State, and UC Davis, climate change is accelerating pest threats to vineyards in ways that require immediate protective measures.
Download our complete Spec Trellising Insect and Bird Report here
Key Findings from the Report
The newly released Spec Trellising Insect and Bird Report highlights several critical challenges facing vineyard operators in 2025:
Rising Bird Damage
Bird damage to vineyards is reaching alarming levels. Studies show that unprotected red grape varieties can experience up to 95% crop loss by late October, while white varieties typically suffer approximately 60% loss (Somers & Morris, 2002). In California alone, over 67% of vineyard acres already experience some degree of bird damage.
Climate scientists are forecasting increased bird pressure for 2025, as warming temperatures alter migratory patterns and feeding behaviors. These shifts concentrate bird populations in agricultural areas, making protective measures more essential than ever.
Increasing Insect Threats
While bird damage is immediately visible, insect damage creates persistent challenges throughout the growing season—challenges that research shows are intensifying with climate change:
- Warming temperatures are accelerating insect reproductive and metabolic rates
- Studies predict that a 2°C temperature increase could lead to 31% greater crop losses (Deutsch et al., 2018)
- Climate change is expanding the overwintering range of agricultural pests
- The American grapevine leafhopper is expanding northward, bringing the risk of Flavescence dorée disease to new regions
Common vineyard insect pests including grape berry moths, leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, and mealybugs are expected to cause greater damage in 2025 than in previous years.
Effective Protection: The Spec Trellising Solution
Physical barriers remain the most reliable and environmentally sustainable solution to these growing threats. Spec Trellising offers specialized netting solutions exclusively designed for premium vineyard protection.
Exclusive Products You Can Only Find at Spec Trellising
Three flagship products stand out for their exceptional protection capabilities:
TightLoch® Permanent Style Side Netting
This premium 50 GSM weight netting features a 3mm x 5mm triangular mesh design specifically engineered to provide maximum protection against both birds and insects while allowing sufficient airflow and sunlight. With a 10-year warranty and typical lifespan of 13 years, TightLoch® represents the gold standard in vineyard protection.
Available exclusively from Spec Trellising.
CrystaLoch Permanent Style Side Netting
At 40 GSM with a 2mm x 7mm rectangular mesh, CrystaLoch provides excellent protection while maximizing airflow. Made from 100% virgin HDPE cylindrical monofilament with reinforced edges, this netting is designed for durability and performance in demanding conditions.
Available exclusively from Spec Trellising.
IceVine Permanent Grapevine Netting
Purpose-built for both ice wine and conventional wine grape protection, IceVine features an extra heavy mesh design with load-bearing reinforced edges and center reinforcement. With high puncture resistance and protection against insects including Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles (MALB), this specialized netting addresses unique challenges facing premium wine producers.
Available exclusively from Spec Trellising.
Economic Analysis: Protection Pays Off
The economic case for investing in quality netting is compelling. With crop losses from bird damage alone potentially reaching 95% in unprotected vineyards, premium protection delivers substantial returns:
- Protection from both acute bird damage and chronic insect pressure
- Reduced need for chemical interventions
- Improved grape quality through consistent ripening
- Multi-year protection with durable materials
- Substantial labor savings from permanent installations
Act Now Before Pest Pressure Increases
As our report clearly demonstrates, 2025 is projected to bring increased pest challenges to vineyards. Early protection is the key to preventing damage before it starts.
Contact Spec Trellising today at 1-800-237-4594 to discuss your specific vineyard protection needs and discover how our exclusive netting solutions can help safeguard your harvest in this challenging growing environment.
Download our complete Spec Trellising Insect and Bird Report here for detailed analysis and scientific citations.
References:
Deutsch, C.A., et al. (2018). Increase in crop losses to insect pests in a warming climate. Science.
Kross, S.M. (2015). Insect pest control and bird damage as a function of distance from riparian habitat in a California vineyard. University of California.
Somers, C.M., & Morris, R.D. (2002). Birds and wine grapes: foraging activity causes small-scale damage patterns in single vineyards. Journal of Applied Ecology, 39, 694-705.