When should you spray currants against ticks? - briefly
Apply the treatment in early spring, before nymphal ticks become active, and repeat a second application in midsummer after any heavy rain. This timing maximizes protection for the plants throughout the tick season.
When should you spray currants against ticks? - in detail
Applying tick‑control treatments to currant bushes requires alignment with the tick life cycle and the plant’s phenological stages. The goal is to target the period when newly hatched larvae begin questing for hosts, before they become established on the foliage.
The optimal window opens in early spring, shortly after bud break, when temperatures consistently reach 10–12 °C (50–54 °F). At this point, larvae emerging from eggs in the leaf litter are actively seeking a host. A first spray applied at this time reduces the number of larvae that can attach to the plants.
A second application is advisable 2–3 weeks later, coinciding with the peak of larval activity, typically when leaves are fully expanded. This reinforces the initial treatment and eliminates any larvae that escaped the first exposure.
If a prolonged tick season is expected—indicated by warm, humid weather extending into early summer—a third spray may be warranted in late May or early June, before nymphs begin to appear.
Key conditions for each application:
- Temperature: ≥ 10 °C, no forecast of frost within 24 hours.
- Humidity: 60–80 % relative humidity to promote leaf surface wetness and enhance pesticide uptake.
- Wind: ≤ 10 km/h to minimize drift and ensure even coverage.
- Rainfall: Avoid spraying if rain is expected within 6 hours; moisture will wash off the product.
Typical schedule for a temperate climate:
- Early May – first spray, post‑bud break.
- Late May (2–3 weeks later) – second spray, full leaf expansion.
- Early June (optional) – third spray, before nymph emergence if tick pressure is high.
Select a pesticide approved for use on edible fruit bushes, respecting the pre‑harvest interval indicated on the label. Rotate active ingredients between applications to prevent resistance development. Record dates, weather conditions, and product details for future reference and compliance with integrated pest‑management guidelines.