How to protect strawberries from pests
Growing your own strawberries in the summer is worth all the time and effort. When you taste the sweet and juicy fruit, it’s so much better than shop-bought. Unfortunately, many pests want to enjoy them in the garden, too.
From sneaky slugs to berry-loving birds, there are a host of critters that are eager to share your delicious strawberries.
Knowing how to protect strawberries from pests helps to stop them from being eaten and enjoyed by everyone but you. Here’s our guide on what to do.
Pests that love strawberries
- Aphids: These tiny sap suckers can cause the leaves to curl and stunt the plant’s growth.
- Slugs and snails: They munch through the leaves and fruits, mostly at night, but you’ll know they’ve been there, thanks to their slimy trails.
- Birds: Blackbirds and thrushes enjoy eating their way through ripe strawberries.
How to protect strawberries from pests
Follow these steps to keep your strawberries protected from pests this year and enjoy all of the fruit you grow in your green space.
Simple steps to follow
When planting strawberries, make sure that there is plenty of space between each one. Proper spacing allows for good air circulation and helps reduce the risk of fungal disease.
Take time to manage weeds, too. Pests can harbour pests, so keep the space around your strawberry plants weed-free.
Physical barriers
- Netting: Drape bird netting over your plants to prevent birds from getting to the fruits. Ensure the nets are tightly secured to help stop birds from sneaking underneath.
- Mulching: Use materials like straw or pine needles around your plants. This helps with moisture levels, deters slugs, and keeps the fruits clean.
Natural predators
By encouraging certain insects, like ladybirds and lacewings, you can help control the predators, aphids. Planting flowers like calendulas will attract these helpful insects into your garden, protecting strawberries from pests.
Organic remedies
If you’d prefer a more natural way to protect your strawberries from pests this year, then try these:
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle this around your plants. It’s abrasive to pests like slugs but safe for humans and pets.
- Insecticidal soap: A solution of mild soap and water will help combat aphids. Spray the tops and undersides of leaves to keep them at bay.
Companion planting
Certain plants work wonders at repelling pests, and it means you get the beauty of these plants at the same time as repelling unwanted insects from your garden.
- Garlic and chives: Plant these aromatic herbs nearstrawberries; the strong scent helps to keep pests away.
- Marigolds: A vibrant plant that will add colour to your greenspace and repel certain pests due to the substances they release.
Regular monitoring
How to protect strawberries from pests? Well, it’s a job you’ll have to keep on top of throughout their growing season. By detecting problems early, you can stop them from becoming major problems.
If there are any damaged fruits, it’s best to remove them swiftly to prevent attracting more pests.
Growing strawberries is worth the hassle from pests, simply due to how they taste when eaten fresh from the garden. Use our tips and tricks to keep pests at bay and enjoy a juicy crop throughout the summer.
If you’re dealing with a pest problem that’s getting out of hand, Premier Pest Control is here to help. From expert advice to professional pest control solutions, we’ve got everything you need to keep your garden and home pest-free.