Blueberries are a 20th Century phenomenon. In addition to being rich in antioxidants, and a great low calorie snack, the blueberry is one of the most savored fruits in the summertime for baked goods. Blueberries can be enjoyed from June to August; and should be grown in the spring season for summer eating. Unfortunately, if fruit growers aren't careful in protecting blueberry crops, deer and rodents will develop a liking for the berry. Here are orchard management tips for blueberry growers to consider if they need to know how to protect fruit bushes.

Deer Fencing

Fruit growers should protect plants by installing a deer fence. With the right height deer fence, deer and rodents (even those rodents that chew) will be stumped by the barrier and will find another way to eat the fruit crops. It is recommended that fruit growers protect plants with a 7.5' deer fence or taller, as deer usually will not jump this high for fruit, unless they are being chased by predator wild animals. Our poly deer fence with rodent control will stop both deer and small critters; or a metal deer fence is always a great choice if you are looking for a chew-proof fence.

Bird Netting

Deer aren't the only ones that like blueberries; and more often than not, birds will try to attack the fruit bushes and eat all of your delicious berries. For bird control, draping bird netting on the blueberry crops is an easy, but effective, way to protect blueberries from birds. The bird nets are made from a lightweight but strong plastic material, so they will not crush the blueberry plants or destroy the land.

Bird Decoys

Birds will make a U-turn  from your fruit garden if they see a bird 'predator' looking back at them. Using a scarecrow or Bird Decoys with holographic eyes will scare them away for good.

Sugar Water

Birds have trouble digesting sugar; and they will turn away from crops, if they taste the sugary substance. Spraying sugar water on crops will protect the crops from birds - this bird control method will not ruin your crops!

This National Blueberry Month, protect your blueberry plants with these bird and deer control methods.