Blueberries: Pests & Diseases
Blueberries need an acid, moisture-retentive growing medium and are often easiest to manage in large pots of ericaceous compost. Use rainwater where practical, as hard tap water gradually raises pH. In the right conditions they are usually healthy, producing spring flowers, colourful foliage and sweet berries from summer onwards.
Common pests
Birds are the principal threat to blueberries, often taking berries as soon as they colour. Vine weevil adults notch leaves and their larvae can damage roots, especially in pots. Aphids may colonise young shoots and curl foliage. Slugs and snails occasionally feed on low growth or fallen fruit. Under cover, red spider mite may cause pale stippling and fine webbing on stressed, dry plants.
Common diseases
Blueberries generally have few diseases when their growing conditions are right. Grey mould can affect flowers or berries in prolonged damp weather, especially on crowded plants. Root rots may develop in waterlogged compost or soil and cause poor growth and dieback. Chlorosis is not a disease but is a common problem: leaves yellow between green veins when the soil is insufficiently acidic or watering is too alkaline.
Prevention
Use ericaceous compost or naturally acidic soil and keep the root area evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water with rainwater where possible and mulch with suitable acidic organic material. Plant two compatible varieties if needed for good pollination, allowing enough space for airflow. Keep pots raised with clear drainage holes, remove fallen berries and leaves, and choose healthy plants from a reliable supplier.
Non-chemical control
Net bushes before berries turn blue, fastening netting so birds cannot slip beneath it. Hand-pick slugs and snails, and remove any mouldy fruit promptly. Wipe or rinse aphids from young shoots and encourage ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies. Check pot compost for vine weevil larvae if a plant wilts without explanation; biological nematodes offer a non-chemical control when the compost is warm and moist.
What to look for
Check leaf colour from spring onwards: yellowing between green veins signals a pH or watering issue. Inspect shoot tips for aphids and leaf edges for vine weevil notches. As fruit colours, check daily for bird access, soft berries and mould. Lift pots occasionally to ensure drainage remains free.
Tips
Do not mix blueberries with lime-loving crops or use ordinary multipurpose compost for long-term growing. A large pot buffers moisture and temperature better than a small one. Renew the top layer of compost periodically and prune out old, unproductive stems in late winter.
Blueberries pests & diseases: frequently asked questions
What are the common pests of blueberries?
Birds are the principal threat to blueberries, often taking berries as soon as they colour.
What diseases affect blueberries?
Blueberries generally have few diseases when their growing conditions are right.
How do I prevent pests and diseases on blueberries?
Use ericaceous compost or naturally acidic soil and keep the root area evenly moist but never waterlogged.
General guidance for UK home gardens, focused on prevention and non-chemical control. The RHS or a local garden centre can help with tricky cases. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.