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Protect blueberry bushes from birds without birds getting stuck in netting #743593

Asked April 10, 2021, 1:40 PM EDT

What is the best way to protect our 2 - blueberry bushes from the birds? Our bushes are 56" and 62" and we have tried covering them with netting to protect them from the birds. The problem is, every year a bird or two get caught in the net and die. Any suggestions?

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

You should protect your bushes from cicadas. 1/4" (or smaller) mesh netting is best. You can also use lite-weight insect barrier or white tulle (used in sewing). Cover the entire plant and be sure to tie the netting or other barrier around the base or the cicadas can crawl up it. You can also add a layer of "sticky" tape (sticky side facing out), below the area where the net is tied for added protection. We are not allowed to recommend any particular manufacturer or product but if you do an internet search you will finds lots to choose from. Depending on the width of the material you use, you may need to wrap the plant (can use clothes pins to secure to branches) or go up, over, and down several times in different directions to cover the entire bush; be sure there are no opening seams. Do not cover until cicadas emerge. (mid May to June)

When the berries are turning blue, cover again to keep birds away. I used large width cotton tulle (ordered on-line) last year for the first time on my berries. I closed the top seam with clothes pins, and secured the bottom with bricks. No bird problem! Lift up to pick berries. The tulle is fragile so you need to take care or it will rip on the branches. Seal any rips with clothes pins!

You may also wish to read:

Cicadas | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)

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