Birds Got Your Berries? Ways To Ground The Threat
April 8, 2024 
Bird netting is the most effective way to deter bird depredation in berry plantings.
Photo by Dr. Gary Gao, The Ohio State University
Blackbirds, cedar waxwings, grackles, robins, and starlings are some of the common bird species that cause significant fruit and economic loss to berry growers, especially in smaller fruit plantings. I read somewhere that 36% was quoted as the average fruit loss to bird depredation. However, I have seen damage levels as high as 90%-plus. Here are some of my suggested bird control approaches and their pros and cons:
Bird netting: This is still the most reliable method, even though it is very expensive and labor consuming. There are many different netting types. Some are over the rows, while others cover the entire planting area. Quite a few blueberry growers in Ohio use the Overhead Crop Netting from Smart Net Systems. More diverse types of nets are available now. Growers are encouraged to check out the cost, duration, and ease of installation of these nets to make their own decision. Please note the size of the openings needs to be ½ inch or smaller.
Bird distress call machines: These have been used for a long time and can be quite effective. Bird distress call machines are getting more sophisticated. However, birds can still get used to the distress calls. Another drawback with this approach is the distress calls can bother growers, pickers, and neighbors! I put propane cannons in this category, too.
Laser scarecrows: Lasers can be used to deter birds. I saw the AVIX Autonomic Laser Bird Repelling System, marketed by the Bird Control Group, when I attended a conference in 2023 in Des Moines, IA. The unit looked very impressive to me.
I had a chance to evaluate Rebecca Brown’s laser scarecrows in Ohio. She is with the University of Rhode Island and has found a lot of success in deterring birds in sweet corn with the laser units that she and her husband, Dave Brown, had developed. They are tweaking their laser scarecrows for berry growers. I am certainly looking forward to their latest developments.
Habitat modification: Preventing nuisance birds from roosting near your berry plantings could help. Installing nest boxes for kestrels is a natural way to encourage birds of prey. A few growers have had a decent amount of success with this approach.
Shooting: Shooting can be an effective way to deter birds. Make sure you check with your local game wardens for rules and regulations. According to an article by Erin Lizotte of Michigan State University, “Except for starling, grackles, and crows, the shooting of all other bird species requires a federal migratory bird depredation permit.”
Falconer: A registered falconer can be hired for patrolling a berry planting. This approach is highly effective but cost prohibitive to small-scale farmers.
Growers have tried many different ways to reduce bird depredation. There is not one sure-fire method for complete control. An integrated approach using many different methods is more effective in our efforts to outsmart the little bird brains!
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