Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are a favorite treat for many garden birds. While it’s lovely to see birds in your garden, the damage they cause to berry crops can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several methods for protecting your fruit and ensuring that you get to harvest your berries without competition from our feathered friends.
Identifying Berry-Eating Birds
Many birds are attracted to the ripening fruits in your garden, and you might be surprised at the variety of species involved. From red cardinals and scarlet tanagers to robins and catbirds, a wide range of birds can help themselves to your berries. While they add beauty to the garden, they can also damage your crop, making it important to find ways to deter them.
New Methods for Deterring Birds
Over the years, various methods have been developed to deter birds from berry bushes. Some of these techniques have shown mixed results, but others can be quite effective:
- Grape Kool-Aid as a Bird Deterrent Grape Kool-Aid contains methyl anthranilate, a compound that birds find unpleasant. For over 50 years, gardeners have used Kool-Aid to deter birds. The best part is that it is harmless to plants and the environment. Simply dissolve a packet of grape Kool-Aid in a pump spray bottle and apply it to your berries, especially after rain or when you’re picking. Combine this method with visual deterrents, like scarecrows, reflective tape, or balloons, to further discourage birds from feasting on your fruit. Birds quickly learn to associate the treated plants with an unpleasant taste.
- Visual Deterrents While not foolproof, visual deterrents such as scarecrows, reflective tape, and plastic bags that move in the wind can help keep birds at bay. These are cheap and easy to set up, and they work by making the garden appear more threatening to birds. For added effectiveness, pair these deterrents with the Kool-Aid spray for a one-two punch.
- Air Dancers Commercial farmers sometimes use air dancers (those inflatable, wavy figures you see at car dealerships) to keep birds out of large fields. While these are effective for wide areas, they’re more expensive and require electricity. However, you can adapt this idea by using smaller, DIY versions to add movement to your garden, making it less attractive to birds.
Excluding Birds with Covers
One of the most foolproof ways to protect your berries is by physically excluding birds with netting, screens, or fencing. While this method is highly effective, it can require a bit of investment and construction:
- Bird Netting
Black mesh bird netting is a popular option, but it can also trap hummingbirds or other small birds. To prevent this, ensure the netting is of the right size and quality. You can also install a frame to keep the netting elevated off the plants. - Row Covers
A highly effective method is using row covers to shield your berries from bird attack. For example, using conduit pipe to build a frame for blueberries and attaching 10-foot-wide row covers can create a barrier that keeps birds out while allowing your berries to ripen fully. This method also protects against other pests and creates a warmer microclimate, benefiting your plants. - Chicken Wire Structures
Some gardeners build structures using chicken wire around their berry bushes. This solution keeps both birds and squirrels away, but it requires more setup and maintenance.
Conclusion
Protecting your berries from birds is an essential task to ensure a bountiful harvest. By using a combination of deterrents like grape Kool-Aid, visual scares, and physical barriers like row covers or chicken wire, you can safeguard your fruits without resorting to harmful chemicals. Each method has its advantages, and finding the right one for your garden can make all the difference in protecting your berry crop from our feathered friends.