The weevil is one of the most unpleasant pests, capable of significantly reducing the strawberry harvest.
This tiny beetle destroys flower stalks, preventing berries from developing.
There are effective folk methods that will help to cope with it without the use of chemicals, ensuring the safety of berries and the health of the garden.
Signs of a weevil on strawberries
The weevil attacks strawberries at the flowering stage. The first sign of its appearance is damaged buds, which gradually dry up and fall off.
The beetle lays eggs inside the bud, which leads to its death. It is important to detect the pest in time to prevent its mass spread.
Folk methods of fighting weevils
One of the most effective methods is the use of infusions and decoctions, which are safe for plants and beneficial insects, but repel the weevil.
Infusion of garlic and onion peel
Garlic and onion peel are excellent natural insecticides. To prepare the infusion, take 200 grams of peel and 5-6 cloves of garlic, which are poured with 5 liters of hot water.
The solution is infused for 24 hours, after which the strawberry bushes are sprayed during the period of bud formation.
This infusion repels pests thanks to its pungent smell, without harming the environment.
Wormwood decoction
Wormwood is a proven remedy for many pests, including weevils. To prepare a decoction, pour 500 grams of dry wormwood with 10 liters of water, bring to a boil and leave for several hours.
The resulting decoction is used to spray plants 2-3 times per season. This method not only helps to get rid of weevils, but also prevents their reappearance.
Mechanical methods of control
In addition to folk remedies, there is a mechanical way to combat weevils - this is manual collection of pests.
In the morning, when the beetles are still inactive, they can be shaken off the bushes onto a spread cloth. This method is labor-intensive, but effective in the early stages of infestation.
Attracting beneficial insects
Natural predators of weevils, such as parasitoid wasps and predatory bugs, can help reduce pest populations.
To attract them, it is recommended to plant plants such as dill, calendula and chamomile around strawberries. These insects feed on weevil larvae, which helps in the fight against their spread.
Preventive measures
Prevention is an important part of weevil control. This includes regularly removing weeds, loosening the soil, and planting companion plants that repel the pests.
In addition, in the fall, plant debris should be carefully removed to destroy possible wintering sites for the weevil.
Author: Valeria Kisternaya
