How can ticks be removed in a greenhouse? - briefly
Remove ticks with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the plant surface as possible and pulling straight upward. Apply a horticultural acaricide spray afterward to prevent re‑infestation.
How can ticks be removed in a greenhouse? - in detail
Ticks in a greenhouse can be eliminated through a combination of physical, chemical, and biological measures. Effective control requires regular monitoring, prompt removal of infested material, and maintenance of environmental conditions that discourage tick development.
Physical removal includes inspecting plants, soil, and equipment daily. Visible ticks should be captured with tweezers, grasping the body close to the skin and pulling steadily. Collected specimens must be disposed of in sealed containers and incinerated. Soil and plant debris harboring larvae should be sifted and discarded or heat‑treated at 55 °C for at least 30 minutes.
Chemical control relies on acaricides approved for greenhouse use. Apply a residual spray according to label instructions, covering leaf surfaces, stems, and soil margins. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance. After application, observe a withdrawal period before harvesting crops.
Biological options involve introducing natural enemies such as predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) that prey on tick stages. Maintain humidity levels between 60–70 % and temperature around 25 °C to favor predator activity while inhibiting tick maturation.
Sanitation practices reduce habitat suitability:
- Remove dead plant material weekly.
- Clean tools and containers with disinfectant after each use.
- Replace potting mix annually or sterilize it by steam.
- Seal cracks in greenhouse structure to limit wildlife entry.
Integrated management combines these tactics, monitors effectiveness through weekly counts, and adjusts strategies based on infestation trends. Continuous vigilance ensures ticks remain at non‑threatening levels, protecting plant health and production quality.