Protecting Blueberries: Netting for Birds, Not Bugs

Bug-Proof Netting Doesn't Exist—But You Have Options

A certified organic grower with 15 blueberry bushes wants netting that excludes insects but admits full sunlight. Reality check: no commercial netting blocks insects while transmitting 100% light. Fine mesh reduces light; coarse mesh admits bugs.

What Netting Can Do

• Bird netting (3/4"–1" mesh) – excludes birds, admits pollinators and most light.
• Row covers (floating fabric) – exclude insects but reduce light 10–30% and heat up.
• Insect netting (fine mesh) – blocks aphids, thrips, but cuts light significantly.

Organic Pest Management for Blueberries

1. Homemade All-Purpose Spray (from Organic Gardening Magazine)

• 1 garlic bulb + 1 small onion, chopped/liquefied
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 quart water
Steep 1 hour, strain, add 1 tbsp liquid dish soap
Spray thoroughly (undersides of leaves)
Store 1 week in fridge

2. Cultural Practices

• Prune for airflow – reduces fungal diseases and pest habitat.
• Mulch with pine needles – maintains acidity (pH 4.5–5.5), deters some soil pests.
• Encourage beneficials – plant alyssum, yarrow, dill nearby for predators.
• Hand-pick – Japanese beetles, caterpillars.

3. Certified Organic Sprays (Last Resort)

• Neem oil – disrupts insect feeding/mating; apply at dusk.
• Spinosad – for caterpillars, thrips; toxic to bees until dry.
• Kaolin clay (Surround WP) – particle film deters feeding.

Bird Protection Is Essential

Birds cause far more blueberry loss than insects. Use 3/4" mesh netting on a frame (not draped—birds get tangled). Install before berries ripen; remove after harvest.

Summary

Accept that insect exclusion requires trade-offs. Prioritize bird netting + targeted organic sprays + habitat for beneficials. Full-sun, bug-proof netting is a myth.