Like regular strawberries, wild strawberries can attract nasty pests.
To understand the signs of a pest infestation, you need to know which pests commonly attack these berries.
Here are some of them.
Slugs
Slugs are a common pest that feed on the leaves and fruits of wild strawberries.
They leave behind irregular holes in the leaves and may cause damage to the developing fruits.
Birds
Birds, such as sparrows or blackbirds, are attracted to the sweet berries of wild strawberries.
They can peck at the fruits, leading to significant losses if not properly protected.
Beetles
Several types of beetles, including strawberry weevils and strawberry crown borers, can target both the foliage and fruits of wild strawberries.
They can cause stunted growth, wilting, and deformities in the plants.
Slender nematodes
Slender nematodes are microscopic pests that can infest the roots of wild strawberry plants.
They feed on the roots, hindering the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to poor growth and development.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can infest wild strawberry plants, particularly the undersides of leaves.
They suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl, distort, or yellow.
In severe infestations, aphids can weaken the plants.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of wild strawberries.
They cause stippling or yellowing of leaves and may leave fine webbing on the plants.
