How to deal with a tick on a plum? - briefly
Remove the tick with tweezers, grasping it close to the skin and pulling straight out, then wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic. Monitor the spot for several days and discard any damaged fruit.
How to deal with a tick on a plum? - in detail
Ticks that attach to a plum require immediate removal to prevent damage and possible disease transmission. First, confirm the presence of an engorged arthropod rather than a blemish or fungal spot. Use a magnifying lens if necessary.
- Prepare a pair of fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool. Clean the instrument with alcohol.
- Grasp the tick as close to the fruit’s surface as possible, holding the mouthparts, not the body.
- Apply steady, downward pressure while pulling straight upward. Avoid twisting, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Inspect the fruit for remaining fragments. If any part remains, repeat the removal with a sterile needle.
- Rinse the area with a mild solution of water and food‑grade hydrogen peroxide (1 %). Pat dry with a clean cloth.
- Apply a thin layer of food‑safe antifungal spray to inhibit secondary infection.
After removal, isolate the fruit for 24 hours to monitor for signs of rot. Discard any plum showing extensive tissue damage or discoloration.
Preventive measures reduce future incidents:
- Inspect harvest batches daily; remove any visible ticks before storage.
- Store plums in a cool, low‑humidity environment; ticks thrive in warm, moist conditions.
- Employ physical barriers such as fine mesh screens in storage rooms.
- Treat surrounding vegetation with approved acaricides, following label instructions to avoid residue on the fruit.
Regular sanitation of equipment and storage containers, combined with vigilant monitoring, minimizes the risk of tick attachment and preserves fruit quality.