The problem with most repellents or scare tactics is that the birds usually become habituated to the stimulus, and it no longer serves to repel the birds. Properly applied bird netting has provided consistent and predictable control, but it can be expensive to purchase and set up. For local information on bird control, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. Diseases that may occur in blueberries include, mummy berry, Botrytis, stem blight, phythophthora root rot, a mycoplasma-caused disorder, and several virus diseases. For proper disease identification, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office.
Clean cultivation can reduce the incidence of mummy berry disease.
This practice destroys the fallen mummified fruit, which harbors the innoculum for the next season's infection. Wettable sulfur sprays have also been effective in reducing mummy berry infection. Prompt picking of mature fruit, and good air circulation throughout the crop canopy can help minimize Botrytis problems. Sulfur sprays for mummy berry should also help to suppress Botrytis. It can be a serious problem in wet years and if old infected wood is not removed during the pruning process.