How To Keep Squirrels And Birds Away From Blueberry Bushes with Netting?

Growing blueberries can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with its share of challenges. One of the most common issues blueberry growers face is keeping animals—especially squirrels and birds—from raiding their crops. These pesky creatures are attracted to the sweet, ripe fruit, and without proper protection, you could lose your harvest in a matter of days. Blueberry bush netting is an effective solution to keep squirrels and birds away from your prized bushes. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why these animals target blueberry bushes, the different types of shade nets you can use, and how to properly install and maintain the netting for maximum protection.

Why Blueberry Bushes are a Target for Birds and Squirrels

Blueberries are delicious, sweet, and easy for birds and squirrels to access, making them a prime target for these animals. Here are the primary reasons why they are drawn to blueberry bushes:

1. Sweetness and Nutrients: Blueberries are packed with sugar and nutrients, which makes them highly attractive to wildlife like birds and squirrels. These animals are instinctively drawn to ripe fruit, which provides them with a quick source of energy.

2. Easy Access: Blueberry bushes are often located in open areas of the garden, making them easily accessible to animals. Their low-growing branches allow birds and squirrels to get close to the fruit without much effort.

3. Ripening Timing: Blueberries ripen at different stages, meaning there's always some ripe fruit available. This continual availability makes it difficult for gardeners to protect their crops once the season starts, and pests tend to move in quickly.

4. Lack of Natural Predators: Blueberry bushes usually grow in areas where there are few natural predators for squirrels and birds. As a result, these animals can feed on the berries without fear of being hunted.

To keep your blueberries safe, you'll need an effective solution like blueberry bush netting to prevent these animals from feasting on your crop.

How to Keep Birds Away from Blueberries

Bird netting is one of the most efficient ways to protect your blueberry bushes from avian invaders. Here's why netting works so well:

1. Physical Barrier: The most obvious reason netting works is that it creates a physical barrier between the birds and the fruit. The mesh holes are small enough to prevent birds from getting through, yet large enough to allow air circulation and sunlight.

2. Covers Entire Bush: Unlike other deterrents, blueberry netting can cover the entire bush. This means there are no gaps for birds to slip through and access the fruit. By covering the plant from top to bottom, the birds have no way of reaching the berries.

3. Long-Term Solution: Once the netting is in place, you can leave it up for the entire growing season, which reduces the need for constant reapplication. With garden shade netting, you can protect your blueberries from birds all season long without worrying about constant upkeep.

4. Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly: Unlike chemical bird repellents, netting doesn't involve toxic substances. This makes it safe for both your plants and the environment.

Different Types of Blueberry Netting You Can Use

There are several types of shade nets available for protecting blueberry bushes. Each type offers different levels of protection, depending on your needs and the size of your blueberry crop.

The Top 3 Blueberry Bush Cover Nets

1. 25g Lightweight Netting (Single Use): This shade netting for plants is ideal for small-scale gardens or home use. It’s light, easy to handle, and can be used for a single season to protect your blueberries from birds and squirrels. With a mesh size of around 20x20mm, it provides good coverage and keeps animals out effectively.

2. 35g Medium Weight Netting (Seasonal Use): If you're looking for something a little sturdier, 35g netting is a better choice. This sun shade netting is perfect for gardeners who need protection over multiple seasons. It’s more durable than the lightweight option, providing a more long-term solution for your blueberry bushes.

3. 60g Heavy Duty Netting (Permanent Use): This shade net is designed for commercial growers or those with a large crop. It’s ideal for greenhouse shade netting and can withstand high winds and the wear and tear of multiple seasons. This heavy-duty option offers superior protection and is particularly useful for large-scale blueberry farming.

Here’s a comparison of the top 3 blueberry bush cover nets:

How to Choose the Right Blueberry Netting

When selecting the right shade netting for your blueberries, consider the following factors:

• Size of Your Blueberry Bush: Smaller bushes may only need a lightweight net, while larger bushes or farms may require a heavy-duty option.

• Climate and Weather Conditions: If you live in a windy area, opt for a stronger agricultural net to withstand the elements. Similarly, if you live in a hot climate, choose a sun shade netting that can help protect the fruit from excessive heat while keeping pests away.

• Budget: Choose a net that fits within your budget while providing the protection you need. Keep in mind that investing in a higher-quality shade net can pay off in the long term by preventing crop loss.

Tips to Cover the Blueberry with a Net to Protect Berries from Birds and Squirrels

When using netting for blueberries, here are a few tips to ensure maximum protection:

The Best Time to Put Up the Net

The best time to install blueberry bush netting is before the blueberries begin to ripen. This will help ensure that your fruit is protected from the moment it starts to attract birds and squirrels. If you wait too long, the animals will already have found the berries, making it harder to protect them.

How to Keep the Net in Place?

To ensure that the shade net stays securely in place, follow these tips:

• Tighten the Net: Ensure the net is snug against the blueberry bush with no gaps for animals to squeeze through.

• Secure the Edges: Tie the edges of the net to nearby stakes or trees to prevent it from blowing away in the wind.

• Use Weights: For additional security, you can use weights along the edges to keep the net grounded.

How to Install and Take Down the Blueberry Netting?

Installing and removing blueberry bush nets is a simple process, but it requires a bit of attention to detail.

How to Install the Blueberry Bush Nets?

1. Choose the Right Net: Based on your needs, choose a shade net with the appropriate weight and mesh size.

2. Measure and Cut: Measure the width and height of your blueberry bushes, then cut the netting to size, leaving a bit of extra material to secure it properly.

3. Drape the Net: Gently drape the netting over the bush, making sure it covers the entire plant.

4. Secure the Net: Use ties or clips to fasten the netting securely around the bush, ensuring it is tight and covers all the fruit.

How to Take Down the Net When the Blueberry Season is Over?

When the blueberry season ends, it’s important to carefully remove the blueberry bush netting to prepare for next season:

1. Remove the Berries: First, harvest any remaining berries from the bush.

2. Unclip or Untie the Net: Gently remove the netting by unclipping or untying it from the bush.

3. Store the Net: Fold the net carefully and store it in a dry, safe place for future use.

4. Prune the Bush: After removing the netting, give your blueberry bush a good prune to encourage healthy growth for the next season.

Some Successful Stories About Blueberry Nets

Many blueberry growers have successfully used netting to protect their crops. One grower from California shared that they had been using blueberry nets for over 10 years, and the protection they provided from birds and squirrels was indispensable. Another grower from Australia praised the durability of heavy-duty shade nets and how they helped preserve their crop in windy conditions.

These stories highlight the effectiveness of shade netting as a reliable solution for blueberry protection.

FAQ

Can Deer Eat Blueberries?

Yes, deer can eat blueberries. While they may not actively seek them out, if deer are hungry, they will feed on blueberry bushes. Installing a scaffold safety net or fencing around your blueberries can help keep deer away.

Do Deer Eat Blueberry Bushes?

Deer are herbivores and can nibble on blueberry bushes, especially during the winter or when other food sources are scarce. To prevent damage, use protective ground cover or shade nets.