Mulching around the bases of bushes provides shelter for overwintering insects but gives little to the insects to feed on in the summer. Mulches may provide for increased survival of both blueberry maggot pupae and valuable predators. Any cultivation technique involves such trade-offs between pest and beneficial species. It has low human and other mammalian toxicity and can be purchased under many trade names, including Dipel, Thuricide and Bio-Guard. Chemical insecticides may be employed against blueberry pests, but they should be assessed against the other options for cost, ease of use and potential contamination and poisonings.
Most chemicals have side effects.
Exposure of non-target organisms to pesticides occurs both immediately and later during biodegradation of the compounds. Not only pest insects, but also bees, predators, fish, birds, animals and humans can be effected by pesticides in the environment. If used alone, chemical controls may not be nearly as effective as the careful combinations of insecticide and non-insecticide controls. Of the pesticides available to the backyard blueberry grower, malathion and Sevin are probably the most readily available and easiest to use. Malathion provides good control of leafroller larvae and blueberry maggot adults.