Bird Netting for Blueberry Bushes: How to Keep Birds Away and Ensure Maximum Fruit Yield

If you're a blueberry enthusiast, you know the frustration of birds swooping in and stealing your precious berries. Not only does it diminish your harvest, but it can also harm the growth of your blueberry bushes. 

That's where bird netting comes to the rescue!

In this article, we'll show you how bird netting can be your secret weapon to keep birds at bay and ensure a bountiful fruit yield. 

We'll delve into protecting your blueberry bushes from birds and discuss why bird netting is effective. Read on!

Understanding Bird Netting for Blueberry Bushes

Birds, such as sparrows, robins, and starlings, have an instinct for finding ripe berries. While they may enjoy a feast, their presence can significantly reduce your blueberry yield. 

Bird netting is a barrier, preventing birds from accessing your blueberry bushes and feasting on the fruit. 

Let's dive deeper into why we need this berry protection against birds.

What are Benefits of Bird Netting?

Protection from Birds: The primary purpose of bird netting is to keep birds at bay. Creating a barrier deters them from reaching your blueberry bushes, ensuring they cannot peck at, damage, or devour your fruits.

Preserves Fruit Quality: Birds can cause physical damage and introduce bacteria or pests to your blueberries, diminishing their quality. Bird netting safeguards your berries, preserving their appearance and taste.

Maintains Plant Health: Birds not only harm the fruits but can also disrupt the growth and health of your blueberry bushes. By preventing bird access, netting helps maintain the overall well-being of the plants.

Eco-Friendly Solution: Bird netting is an environmentally friendly option as it does not harm the birds themselves or rely on harmful chemicals. It provides a humane way to protect your crops.

Saves Money: Although you need to invest in bird netting initially, it can save you money in the long run. You avoid crop losses and don't have to spend on frequent pesticide treatments or alternative bird deterrents.

Low Maintenance: Once you've installed the bird netting correctly, it doesn't need much upkeep. It remains effective throughout the growing season so that you can focus on other tasks.

Works for Different Blueberry Types: Bird netting is suitable for protecting different kinds of blueberry bushes. The net can be adapted to fit whether you have tall or short bushes.

Helps with Pollination: Bird netting indirectly helps with pollination. Keeping birds away allows bees and other pollinators to reach the flowers quickly, leading to better fruit production.

Different Types of Bird Netting

There are a few different types of blueberry bird control netting. Consider the following options:

Polyethylene Netting: This type is made from a durable, lightweight plastic resistant to ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is an affordable and popular choice for blueberry growers.

Knitted Netting: This netting is made from a blend of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) threads. It is known for its superior strength, longevity, and resistance to tearing.

Multi-Row Netting: This barrier bird netting is convenient if you have multiple rows of blueberry bushes. It is designed to cover numerous rows simultaneously, reducing the installation time and effort.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Bird Netting

Before selecting bird netting for your blueberry bushes, keep the following factors in mind:

Mesh Size: Choose a netting with a small enough mesh size to prevent birds from squeezing through. Consider the species of birds in your area and their size to ensure adequate protection.

Durability: Look for netting that is durable and able to withstand outdoor elements, including sun exposure, wind, and rain. This ensures long-lasting protection for your blueberry bushes.

Installation and Maintenance: Consider the ease of installation and maintenance required for the netting. Look for a net that is easy to set up and take down, allowing convenient access to your berry bushes when needed.

Tangle-Free Nets: This adds another convenience layer to the selection process.

These bird control nets are designed to prevent annoying tangles and snarls, improving the overall ease of installation and maintenance. This means it can be easily installed and removed, allowing convenient access when harvesting or performing maintenance tasks.

With this type of netting, you can enjoy hassle-free protection for your blueberry bushes without the frustration of dealing with tangled nets. 

How to Install Bird Netting on Blueberry Bushes

Now that you've chosen the suitable bird netting for your blueberry bushes, it's time to put it in place. 

Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure proper installation that provides complete coverage and security for your blueberry harvest.

Step 1. Gather Your Materials

You'll need:

• Bird netting (measured to fit your blueberry bushes)
• Line posts
• Tent stakes, pegs, or staples

Optional: Zip ties or twine to secure the netting to line posts

Step 2. Erect Your Line Posts

Line posts provide the structure for your bird netting. Space them approximately 10-20 feet apart, depending on the size of your bushes and the shape of your garden. Ensure that they are firmly in place and level.

Step 3. Unroll the Netting

With your line posts in place, it's time to unroll your bird netting. Do this carefully, ensuring you don't snag or stretch the net. Unroll it over your blueberry bushes until you have complete coverage.

Step 4. Secure the Netting

Once your bird netting is in place, it's essential to secure it firmly. Use tent stakes, pegs, or staples to attach the net to the ground. Attach the netting to line posts using zip ties or twine if using a permanent or semi-permanent netting installation.

Step 5. Trim Excess Netting

To ensure a neat appearance, trim any excess netting that drapes over the ground. This prevents the net from becoming a tripping hazard and makes it easier to maintain your blueberry bushes.

Tips for Ensuring Proper Coverage and Security of the Netting

Here are some additional tips to ensure your bird netting is installed correctly and completely protects your blueberry bushes.

• Ensure that the netting is taut and doesn't sag or droop, as this can allow birds to enter.

• Check that there are no gaps in the netting where birds can sneak through.

• If using tent stakes or pegs, ensure they are securely in the ground to prevent wind or other elements from dislodging them.

• Inspect the netting periodically for damage, and repair or replace it as needed.

Common Bird Netting Mistakes to Avoid

Some common mistakes that growers make when installing bird netting that can result in inadequate protection or damage to the net.

Pitfall 1: Netting That Is Too Loose

When the netting sags, birds can get in and damage your fruit. Additionally, sagging netting can tangle and injure itself, making it challenging to remove or even reuse for another season.

Solution: Use Tensioning Lines

To prevent your bird netting from sagging, consider using tensioning lines. These can be installed above your blueberry bushes and attached to sturdy anchor points like line posts on either row. Tension the netting to keep it taut and in place.

Pitfall 2: Gaping Holes

Birds are smart. If they find gaps in the netting, they'll use it to get to your blueberries.

Solution: Check Your Netting Carefully

When installing your bird netting, conduct a thorough check to ensure no holes or gaps since even small openings are all birds need to access to the fruit. Check the netting regularly throughout the growing season for any damage or wear and tear, and make repairs promptly.

Pitfall 3: Poor Anchorage

Improper anchorage of bird netting can lead to the net being dislodged or damaged, particularly when exposed to high winds or heavy rain. The net can also become entangled and difficult to remove after the growing season.

Solution: Use Proper Anchoring Techniques

Install line posts firmly into the ground and secure the bird netting to them. Use adequately sized, sturdy pegs or staples to anchor the netting to the ground. If you're using zip ties or twine, ensure that they're strong enough to hold the weight of the net and are securely fastened to the line posts.

Pitfall 4: Damage to Your Fruit

Although bird netting can protect your blueberries against unwanted feathered invaders, poor installation can lead to the net damaging the fruit. Dented, scratched, or bruised fruit can be harder to sell or may need to be used for processed products.

Solution: Use Proper Netting Techniques

Bird netting comes in different mesh sizes most appropriate for the birds in your growing area. Choose the right size for your needs, or ensure the net is not stretched too tightly over the plants to prevent it from indenting the berries. 

Alternatives to Bird Netting for Blueberry Bushes

Let's explore some alternatives to protective netting for blueberry fields.

Scare Tactics

Visual Deterrents

Birds are attracted to shiny and bright objects. Reflective tape, strips, or flags can deter birds from coming near the blueberry bushes. Birds can fly into windows, and the tape can prevent this. Scarecrows are also a popular option for deterring birds. Move the scarecrow around to different locations or have multiple scarecrows to prevent birds from habituating to them.

 

Auditory Deterrents

Birds are sensitive to sounds, and certain high-pitched noises can scare them away. Wind chimes, portable loudspeakers, and sonic repellers are good examples of deterring birds from your blueberry bushes.

Bird Repellents

Types of Bird Repellents

Various bird repellents are available, such as sprays, sticky gels, and powder repellents. These repellents are applied to specific areas to discourage birds from getting too close to your blueberry bushes. They are non-toxic, so it's safe to use around pets and children.

Application Methods and Effectiveness

The effectiveness of bird repellents can vary based on application methods and concentration of active ingredients. Read the instructions carefully and apply the repellent as directed. Ensure the repellent you choose is safe for the blueberry bush and doesn't damage the fruit.

Companion Planting

Companion planting is a natural way to repel birds from your blueberry bushes. Some plants have specific fragrances or textures that birds dislike, so planting these near your blueberry bushes can discourage them from coming. 

A few examples of plants to repel birds are:

• Blackberry Spike
• Chamomile
• Citronella
• Lavender 
• Peppermint

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting benefits your garden's health and the blueberry bushes. It improves soil fertility, attracts pollinators, and repels pests. By planting companion plants, you add diversity to your garden and create a natural barrier to pests, slowing their spread.

A few examples are:

• Azaleas and Rhododendrons
• Clover or Alfalfa
• Comfrey
• Rhubarb

While companion planting can benefit blueberry bushes, it's crucial to consider the specific requirements of blueberries and their compatibility with the companion plants chosen. 

Blueberries prefer acidic soil conditions and have specific needs for moisture and sunlight. 

Therefore, it's advisable to research and plan companion planting arrangements that suit the unique needs of blueberry bushes for optimal results.

Conclusion

Bird netting remains essential for safeguarding blueberry bushes from birds and other pests. While alternatives can provide additional options, bird netting offers a highly reliable and proven protection method. 

Choosing the right netting and implementing best practices will help preserve your blueberry harvest, ensuring you can enjoy fresh berries.

And if you're looking for a reliable and effective solution to protect your lovely blueberry bushes from birds, "Harvesto Bird Netting" is the ideal choice.

Designed to provide a tangle-free experience, these nets ensure hassle-free installation and maintenance. Gone are the days of getting entangled in netting or struggling with tangled nets. 

With these nets, you can protect your blueberries with ease and convenience.

Don't let birds feast on your hard-earned blueberries. Secure your harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Give your blueberry bushes the ultimate bird protection they deserve, and watch them flourish like never before.