Blueberries are a total favorite for home gardeners, and for good reason! But if you start seeing ants crawling all over your bushes, you’ll want to keep a close eye on things to avoid any nasty surprises.
Are ants actually dangerous for blueberry bushes?
The short answer is: it depends. Ants become a real problem if they decide to build their nest right in the root zone. All that tunneling loosens the soil around the roots, which can prevent your plant from soaking up the water and nutrients it needs to thrive. Above ground, the real trouble starts when ants team up with aphids.
What kind of damage do ants do to blueberries?
Ants aren’t your typical garden pests—they don’t actually take bites out of your blueberries or leaves. However, they can still cause indirect damage. For one, ants act like bodyguards for aphids, protecting them from natural predators so they can keep snacking on your plants. Secondly, their underground tunnels can disturb the root system so much that the bush starts to struggle.
Do I really need to get rid of them?
You don’t necessarily need to go to war just because you see a few ants on your blueberries. But you definitely want to stay vigilant, because ants are usually a sign that aphids aren’t far behind. Ants love “honeydew”—the sweet, sticky waste that aphids leave behind—and they’ll even carry aphid larvae to your plants to ensure a steady food supply.
If your blueberry bush starts looking yellow or begins to wilt, that’s a red flag that you might have an ant colony living in the root ball.
How to handle ants on your blueberry bushes
The best way to send ants packing is actually pretty simple: water! Ants aren’t fans of soggy conditions, so giving the bush a regular spray can encourage them to move on. If you spot aphid colonies, a strong blast from the garden hose is often enough to knock them off. If you catch the infestation early, you can even just squish the aphids by hand.
If you suspect there’s a nest under the roots, water is your best friend here too. Just water your blueberries a bit more frequently and deeply than usual to make the spot less attractive for the colony.
Pro Tip: Watch out for ants on balcony blueberries
If you’re growing blueberries in pots on a balcony or patio, you should take action as soon as you see ants. If they get too comfortable, they can start loosening the sand under your patio pavers or, even worse, find a way inside your home!