How should you spray currants in spring for ticks? - briefly
Apply a licensed acaricide (e.g., permethrin or spinosad) to the currant foliage and surrounding soil in early spring, before new growth emerges, adhering strictly to label rates and safety guidelines. Repeat the application after the first flush if tick pressure remains, avoiding spray during flowering to protect pollinators.
How should you spray currants in spring for ticks? - in detail
Spraying currant bushes in early spring targets tick populations before they become active. Apply treatment when buds have swollen but leaves are not fully expanded, typically between mid‑March and early April, depending on local climate.
Choose an acaricide registered for fruiting shrubs. Conventional options include permethrin or bifenthrin formulations; organic alternatives comprise neem oil or spinosad‑based products. Verify that the label permits use on currants and specifies a pre‑harvest interval that accommodates upcoming fruiting.
Prepare the equipment according to label directions. Calibrate the sprayer to deliver the recommended volume per hectare, wear gloves and eye protection, and mix the product in a clean container. Ensure the solution is homogenous before application.
Apply the spray with the following steps:
- Cover all foliage, including the undersides of leaves, stems, and any flower buds.
- Use a fine mist to achieve uniform wetness without runoff.
- Extend coverage to the soil surface within a 1‑meter radius of the plant base, where ticks may quest.
- Observe the contact time indicated on the product label before rain or irrigation.
Observe safety protocols to protect non‑target organisms. Avoid application during windy conditions, restrict drift toward flowering plants, and schedule treatments when pollinators are inactive (early morning or late evening). Follow the re‑entry interval before allowing workers or pets near treated areas.
After treatment, inspect the bushes weekly for tick activity. If counts remain high, a second application may be made after the minimum interval stated on the label. Combine chemical control with cultural practices such as clearing leaf litter, trimming dense growth, and maintaining low humidity around the plants to reduce tick habitat.