What should you do if strawberries are infested with ticks? - briefly
Discard any berries that show tick presence, thoroughly wash the remaining fruit, and apply a suitable acaricide to the plants and surrounding soil. Implement regular monitoring and preventive measures, such as mulching and proper irrigation, to avoid recurrence.
What should you do if strawberries are infested with ticks? - in detail
When ticks are discovered on strawberry plants, act immediately to protect the crop and prevent spread.
First, isolate the affected area. Cover the rows with a tarp or move them to a separate section of the garden to avoid cross‑contamination.
Next, remove the insects:
- Wear gloves and a mask.
- Use fine‑toothed tweezers or a small brush to pull each tick from the fruit and foliage.
- Place the removed specimens in a sealed container with alcohol for disposal.
Inspect every berry and leaf in the vicinity. Discard any fruit that shows signs of damage or heavy infestation, as it may carry pathogens.
After removal, treat the plants:
- Apply a horticultural oil spray according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The oil suffocates remaining ticks without harming the fruit.
- If the infestation is severe, a systemic acaricide approved for edible crops may be used; follow label dosage and pre‑harvest intervals precisely.
Implement preventive measures:
- Keep grass and weeds trimmed around the strawberry beds to reduce tick habitats.
- Install a physical barrier, such as fine mesh netting, to deter wildlife that can carry ticks.
- Rotate crops annually and avoid planting strawberries in the same spot for more than two consecutive years.
- Conduct regular field inspections, especially after warm, humid periods when tick activity peaks.
Finally, clean tools and equipment. Wash hands, gloves, and any implements with soap and a disinfectant before handling other plants or food items.
By following these steps, the infestation can be eliminated, and the remaining strawberries will remain safe for consumption.