How to spray raspberries against ticks? - briefly
Mix ripe raspberry puree with water (1 part puree to 4 parts water) and add a few drops of neem oil as an adjuvant; load the blend into a garden sprayer and coat foliage, especially low shrubs and groundcover, thoroughly. Reapply after rain and repeat weekly throughout the tick‑active period.
How to spray raspberries against ticks? - in detail
Applying a raspberry-based spray to reduce tick populations requires careful preparation, correct formulation, and proper field techniques.
Begin with plant material. Harvest ripe berries, wash thoroughly, and remove stems. Blend the fruit with a small amount of water to create a puree. Filter the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh to separate solids from liquid. Add a preservative such as citric acid (0.5 % of total volume) to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. Adjust pH to 3.5–4.0; ticks are less tolerant of acidic environments, and the pH range enhances the stability of active compounds.
Formulate the spray. Combine the filtered raspberry extract with a carrier oil (e.g., neem or soybean oil) at a ratio of 1 part extract to 3 parts oil. Incorporate an emulsifier such as lecithin (1 % of total volume) to ensure uniform distribution on foliage. Add a surfact surfactant (0.5 % of total volume) to improve leaf coverage and penetration. Mix vigorously until a homogeneous emulsion forms.
Prepare equipment. Use a backpack sprayer equipped with a fine‑mist nozzle (set to 30–40 psi). Clean the tank and lines with a mild detergent, rinse, and allow to dry before loading the formulation. Calibrate the sprayer to deliver 500 ml of spray per 100 m², ensuring consistent application rates.
Apply the spray. Target the lower canopy and leaf litter where ticks quest for hosts. Conduct application in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid rapid evaporation. Cover all vegetation within the treatment area, paying special attention to brush edges and shaded spots. Repeat applications every 7–10 days during peak tick activity (spring to early autumn) to maintain efficacy.
Monitor results. After each treatment, collect tick samples using drag cloths and record counts. Compare pre‑ and post‑application data to assess reduction levels. Adjust spray frequency or concentration if tick numbers decline insufficiently.
Safety considerations. Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask during preparation and spraying. Store the formulation in a sealed, opaque container at 4 °C; discard after 30 days or if odor changes. Avoid application near water bodies to prevent unintended ecological impact.