How should I treat a greenhouse for winter against ticks? - briefly
Seal all openings, insulate the structure and reduce internal temperature to suppress tick activity, then remove plant debris, apply a winter‑approved acaricide to the soil and perimeter, and inspect weekly for any survivors.
How should I treat a greenhouse for winter against ticks? - in detail
Prepare the structure of the greenhouse before the first frost. Remove all plant debris, fallen leaves, and soil that may harbor tick eggs or larvae. Sweep the benches, clean the floor with a mild detergent solution, then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
Seal any openings that could admit rodents or wild birds, which often carry ticks. Apply weather‑stripping to doors, close gaps around windows, and cover ventilation holes with fine mesh (no larger than 150 µm). Inspect roof panels and walls for cracks; fill them with silicone sealant or expanding foam.
Maintain low humidity inside the structure. Install a hygrometer and set a target relative humidity of 40–50 %. Use a dehumidifier or improve air circulation with low‑speed fans. Dry conditions inhibit tick development and reduce the risk of mold, which can attract rodents.
Control temperature to avoid freezing damage to the frame while keeping the interior unsuitable for ticks. Set the heating system to a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F). If the greenhouse lacks built‑in heating, place electric heat mats under the soil and use insulated curtains on the external walls.
Apply an acaricide approved for greenhouse use. Choose a product with a residual effect of at least eight weeks and follow the label’s dosage precisely. Spray the interior surfaces, benches, and any remaining soil. After application, ventilate the space for 30 minutes before sealing it again.
Introduce biological control agents where appropriate. Beneficial predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) can reduce tick populations without harming plants. Release them according to the supplier’s recommendations and monitor their activity weekly.
Implement a monitoring routine. Place sticky traps near entry points and on the floor to detect any surviving ticks. Check traps every 3–4 days and record captures. If counts exceed a low threshold, repeat acaricide treatment and inspect for new entry points.
Finally, plan for post‑winter sanitation. Once temperatures rise, remove all mesh covers, clean residual chemicals, and perform a thorough cleaning before re‑planting. This cycle prevents the buildup of tick infestations year after year.