What's eating my blueberries?

Blueberries are targeted primarily by birds, which can strip a bush in hours. Blueberry maggot and spotted wing drosophila damage fruit internally in North America. In the UK, spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is an increasing problem. Aphids and scale insects weaken stems. Netting from fruit set is the most critical protection measure.

Entire ripe berries removed; partial pecking of unripe fruit; a single flock can strip a mature bush completely within a day. Erect a fruit cage or drape fine-mesh bird netting (no larger than 2 cm mesh) over individual bushes from the moment fruit starts to colour.

Small oviposition scars on ripening fruit; larvae hatch inside, causing early collapse of berries; fruit feels soft and leaks juice prematurely. Harvest ripe fruit promptly and frequently; use fine insect-proof netting over the crop; apply spinosad-based sprays at intervals per label; destroy fallen fruit.

Sticky honeydew on leaves and new shoots; sooty mold follows; blueberry aphid transmits blueberry shoestring virus, which causes red-streaked distorted leaves. Encourage natural predators; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil early in the season before populations build; remove and bag badly infested shoots.

Brown waxy bumps on stems; yellowing and dieback of older canes; weakens the plant over multiple seasons. Prune out and destroy heavily encrusted canes in late winter; apply dormant horticultural oil spray to canes before bud break.