What to do with a strawberry tick? - briefly
Extract the «strawberry tick» with fine tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible, then disinfect the bite site and monitor for any abnormal symptoms. If redness, swelling, or fever appear, obtain medical evaluation without delay.
What to do with a strawberry tick? - in detail
Strawberry ticks, also known as spider mites, infest the foliage and fruit of strawberry plants, causing discoloration, leaf bronzing, and reduced yield. Effective management requires a combination of monitoring, cultural adjustments, mechanical removal, biological agents, and, when necessary, targeted chemical applications.
Regular scouting identifies infestations early. Examine the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks and fine webbing. A hand lens reveals the characteristic eight‑legged pests and their eggs. Record infestation levels to guide treatment thresholds.
Mechanical tactics include:
- Washing plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites and eggs.
- Pruning heavily infested shoots to reduce population density.
- Removing fallen leaves and debris that serve as breeding sites.
Cultural practices that limit mite development:
- Maintaining optimal irrigation to avoid plant stress, which makes strawberries more vulnerable.
- Providing adequate spacing for air circulation, reducing humidity that favors mite proliferation.
- Rotating crops and incorporating non‑host species to break the pest’s life cycle.
Biological control agents offer sustainable suppression:
- Introducing predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus; release rates depend on infestation severity.
- Applying entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana according to label instructions for foliar coverage.
When mite numbers exceed economic thresholds despite the above measures, selective acaricides may be employed. Choose products with low toxicity to beneficial insects, rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance, and adhere strictly to pre‑harvest intervals.
Post‑treatment monitoring confirms efficacy. Re‑inspect foliage after 5–7 days, and repeat appropriate actions if mite activity persists. Maintaining an integrated approach minimizes reliance on chemicals and protects strawberry quality throughout the growing season.