A shielding apparatus for mounting on zero-turn type mowers of the variety having a horizontal cross-member forward of an operator seat and disposed between a pair of longitudinal frame members supporting a cutting deck, the shielding apparatus being comprised of a panel having a lower mount portion and an upper shield portion, the mount portion being mountable to the cross-member such that said shield portion is oriented vertically, perpendicular to the cutting deck. The shield portion is sized, shaped and oriented to substantially blocks debris and insects expelled forwardly and upwardly from beneath the cutting deck of the mower from coming into contact with an operator of the mower. Embodiments of the subject shielding apparatus are adapted for magnetic mounting to the mower.
