Strawberry pests can be diverse and require different control methods. Here are some common strawberry pests, ways to recognize them, and methods to deal with them:🙂
- Aphids:
Recognition: Small, usually green or black insects, often gather on the underside of leaves. Control: Use of natural predators, such as ladybugs, application of garden soap or chemical agents suitable for controlling aphids.
- Slugs and naked snails:
Recognition: Visible slime trails on plants and fruits.
Control: Manual collection, beer traps, use of anti-slug granules (with caution), maintaining a dry environment around plants.
- Insect larvae:
Recognition: Damage to leaves and fruits, larvae may be visible on plants or in the soil.
Control: Manual removal of larvae, use of appropriate insecticides, encouraging the presence of natural predators.
- Scale insects and mealybugs:
Recognition: Small, shield-like insects on plants or white, cottony spots.
Control: Spraying with isopropyl alcohol or garden soap, use of neem oil, manual removal.
- Spider mites:
Recognition: Tiny, red or yellow insects, spider webs on plants.
Control: Use of garden soap, neem oil, increasing air humidity, use of acaricides.
- Centipedes and millipedes:
Recognition: Damage to plants, presence of insects in the soil.
Control: Maintaining a dry environment, traps, limiting shelters.
It’s important to remember that the best approach is to use integrated pest management, which combines different pest control methods, from natural to chemical, depending on needs. Always use chemical agents in accordance with the label and pay attention to the possible impact on the environment and other organisms in the garden. Moreover, regular plant inspections and maintaining a healthy cultivation environment can significantly contribute to reducing the pest problem.
