How should seedlings be treated for ticks? - briefly
Treat seedlings with a soil‑applied systemic acaricide at planting and reapply per label schedule, while maintaining low vegetation and regularly inspecting for tick presence.
How should seedlings be treated for ticks? - in detail
Treat young plants for tick infestations with a systematic approach that combines monitoring, cultural practices, mechanical removal, biological agents, and chemical interventions.
First, conduct regular inspections. Examine foliage, stems, and soil surface weekly during peak tick activity. Remove any attached ticks with tweezers, grasping close to the body and pulling steadily to avoid rupture.
Second, modify the growing environment to make it less hospitable. Keep grass and weeds trimmed around the planting area, reduce leaf litter, and maintain proper drainage to limit humidity, which favors tick survival. Apply a mulch layer of coarse bark rather than fine organic material to discourage questing behavior.
Third, employ mechanical barriers. Install fine-mesh row covers or floating row covers over seedbeds, securing edges to prevent ticks from crawling onto the plants. For raised beds, place a perimeter of hardware cloth buried a few inches underground.
Fourth, introduce biological control agents. Nematodes of the genus Steinernema and Heterorhabditis penetrate tick larvae in the soil. Apply them according to label rates, ensuring soil moisture is adequate for nematode activity. Predatory mites and ants can also reduce tick numbers when habitats support their populations.
Fifth, consider targeted chemical treatments only when monitoring indicates heavy infestation. Use acaricides registered for horticultural use, such as those containing bifenthrin or permethrin, applying them as a soil drench or foliar spray according to label specifications. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance development.
Finally, document all actions. Record inspection dates, tick counts, and treatments applied. This data enables evaluation of efficacy and adjustment of the management plan over time.
By integrating these steps, growers can protect young plants from tick damage while minimizing reliance on chemicals and preserving ecological balance.