861 Chapter 3 Highbush Blueberries Vertebrate Pests Birds Birds are a major pest problem in highbush blueberries. Left unchecked, they can destroy enough of the crop to ruin the profitability of a planting. The loss of chemical deterrents has made bird control a more difficult task in recent times, but effective means are still available. Some new chemical repellents might come on the market in the near future.
Netting is the most effective way to keep birds out of the planting.
Although initial costs can be high, most netting will last for many years if cared for properly. Netting should be hung over some sort of support structure built around the planting. Usually posts are set nine feet above the ground around the perimeter of the planting. The netting is hung over this grid when the fruit begins to turn color. Some temporary nine-foot poles may be placed within the planting at intersections of the grid to keep the netting from drooping.