How should a pear be treated to eliminate ticks? - briefly
Treat the pear by immersing it in a 70 % ethanol solution for about two minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining residues. This method reliably kills attached ticks without damaging the fruit.
How should a pear be treated to eliminate ticks? - in detail
Treat the pear with a systematic approach to eradicate any attached arachnids. Begin by removing visible organisms with tweezers, taking care not to damage the skin. Rinse the fruit under running water at a temperature of at least 40 °C for 30 seconds; the flow dislodges loosely attached pests.
Follow the rinse with a mild surfactant solution—mix one tablespoon of liquid dish soap per liter of water. Submerge the pear for 2–3 minutes, then scrub gently using a soft brush. The surfactant reduces surface tension, allowing the organism’s grip to weaken.
If a chemical method is required, apply a food‑grade acaricide approved for fruit treatment. Spray the pear evenly, ensuring full coverage of the skin and any crevices. Observe the product’s withdrawal interval and rinse thoroughly after the specified time to remove residues.
Alternative non‑chemical options include:
- Vinegar soak – immerse the fruit in a 5 % vinegar solution for 5 minutes; acidity disrupts the arthropod’s exoskeleton.
- Cold treatment – place the pear in a freezer at –18 °C for 24 hours; prolonged exposure kills the organism.
- Heat exposure – expose the fruit to infrared radiation or a hot air dryer at 55–60 °C for 10 minutes; heat denatures proteins and eliminates the pest.
After any treatment, dry the pear with a clean cloth and store it in a low‑humidity environment to prevent re‑infestation. Regular orchard sanitation—removing leaf litter, controlling wildlife access, and applying preventive acaricide sprays—reduces the likelihood of future occurrences.