How should I treat soil in a hothouse after a tick appears? - briefly
Remove the infested substrate, seal it for disposal, and sterilize the remaining soil by heating to at least 180 °F for 30 minutes or by applying an appropriate chemical treatment. Refill the hothouse with fresh, sterile growing medium before resuming cultivation.
How should I treat soil in a hothouse after a tick appears? - in detail
When a tick is discovered in a greenhouse substrate, immediate action is required to prevent further infestation and protect plant health. First, isolate the affected area by covering it with a clear plastic sheet or moving the plants to a separate compartment. This limits tick movement and reduces the chance of spreading to other beds.
Next, remove the visible tick and any surrounding debris with tweezers or a fine brush. Dispose of the insect in a sealed container; do not release it outdoors.
Sanitize the soil by applying a soil‑drench treatment:
- Choose a systemic acaricide labeled for greenhouse use (e.g., abamectin, spinosad, or neem oil). Follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions precisely.
- Mix the product with water in a clean sprayer, ensuring uniform concentration.
- Saturate the soil to a depth of at least 10 cm, allowing the solution to penetrate the root zone.
- After application, keep the substrate moist for 24 hours to enhance uptake.
If chemical control is undesirable, employ a biological alternative:
- Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus. Release 1–2 m² of predatory mites per square meter of affected soil.
- Maintain humidity above 70 % and temperature between 22–27 °C to support predator activity.
Simultaneously, improve cultural conditions to discourage future infestations:
- Reduce excess organic matter that can harbor ticks; incorporate coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Implement a regular monitoring schedule: inspect plants and soil weekly, using a magnifying lens to detect early stages.
- Apply a preventive soil drench with a low‑dose acaricide every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
Finally, document the incident: record date, location, treatment used, and observations of efficacy. This log assists in adjusting management strategies and provides evidence for any regulatory compliance requirements.