Strawberries are one of the most common fruits. But when you plant strawberries in your garden, you might see different problems in the plants. Some issues might not be serious. But some problems might affect the strawberries and damage the fruits.
For example, you might see holes in the strawberry leaves. So, you might be confused about why there are holes in your strawberry leaves. If you want to solve the problem, you must know the reasons in detail. Moreover, learning about the solution and prevention is also essential.
Let’s see details about why there are holes in your strawberry leaves.
Why are there holes in my strawberry leaves?
The most common reason for holes in the strawberry leaves is bugs. Slugs are the most common bugs that cause holes in the strawberry leaves. Moreover, snails, earwigs, strawberry bud weevils, caterpillars, etc., can also cause holes in the strawberry leaves.
However, different bugs can cause holes in the strawberry leaves. Moreover, other reasons might also be responsible for this problem. Besides, birds and small animals can also cause holes in your strawberry leaves.
So, let’s see the reasons for causing holes in your strawberry leaves.
Slugs and snails:
Strawberry leaves are perfect places where slugs and snails like to stay. Generally, slugs create small and deep holes in the leaves. Slugs also leave slimy material on the leaves. So, you can quickly know about slugs from the holes and slimy materials on the leaves.
Snails can also do the same. They create holes in the strawberry leaves and leave slimy materials. Generally, slugs and snails become active during damp weather. Wet soil and humid areas attract slugs and snails more. Moreover, they create holes at night.
So, you might not see them creating holes. But you will see the holes in the morning.
Other insects:
Also, insects can create holes in the strawberry leaves. For example, your strawberry leaves might be dealing with strawberry bud weevils. People also call them strawberry clippers.
Generally, strawberry weevils will create this problem in the early spring. These insects have curved snouts that they use to puncture the leaves. Moreover, spittlebugs can also pierce the stems and leaves of the strawberry plants.
Another insect that can be responsible for this problem is the earwig. Generally, earwigs use their pincers to puncture the strawberry leaves on the bottoms. Besides, aphids can also cause holes in the strawberry leaves.
Physical damage:
Sometimes, physical damage can also cause holes in the strawberry leaves. You might know that deer eat strawberry leaves. So, holes can be created by grazing deer. Moreover, other physical damages by animals and humans can also cause holes in the strawberry leaves.
Some birds and animals can cause holes in the strawberry leaves too.
Should I cut off strawberry leaves with holes?
Yes, you should cut off strawberry leaves with holes. When you see holes in the strawberry leaves, you might not know the reason at a glance. You might not know why your strawberry leaves have holes.
Sometimes, the insects that create holes in the strawberry leaves are not dangerous. They only lay eggs on the leaves and go away. This might not damage the strawberries and the plants.
But sometimes, the insects might leave slimy materials on the leaves. This might affect other leaves too. So, it will not be possible to identify the cause of the holes immediately. So, you should cut off the affected leaves to be on the safe side.
But if you are sure that the leaves with holes are not dealing with bugs or insects, you can keep the leaves on the plant. Moreover, you can cut off the affected leaves to make the plant look good.
How do you treat holes in strawberry leaves?
Now that you know the reasons for holes in strawberry leaves, you might want to know the solutions. You can follow some processes to treat holes in strawberry leaves. So, let’s see how you can solve the problem.
Treating holes from slugs and snails:
You might know that slugs and snails are common and cause holes in strawberry leaves. For this, you have to cut off the affected leaves first. Then you have to water the leaves and plants gently to remove slimy materials from the plant.
You have to ensure that the soil is not too wet. Wet soil will encourage slugs and snails to come close to the plants. You can also use traps to trap the slugs and snails. Moreover, a citrus ring trap can also be effective.
Also, diatomaceous earth (DE) can be effective in keeping slugs and snails away and treating the holes.
Treating holes from strawberry weevils
For treating holes from strawberry bud weevils, you have to remove the affected leaves first. Then you have to remove weevils from other fresh leaves also. After that, you have to wash the plants and leaves with water. You can clean profoundly but less frequently.
You can also use insecticidal soap to treat the holes of strawberry leaves. But you might have to use this soap repeatedly.
Treating holes from other insects:
You can also treat holes in strawberry leaves from other insects. Different insecticides are available to use on the leaves to treat holes. Sometimes, garlic spray can be effective in treating holes from insects.
Prevent physical damage:
You can also take action to prevent physical damage to the holes of strawberry leaves. For example, you can remove the affected leaves and keep a fence around the plants. This will not allow deer to graze the strawberry leaves.
Moreover, you can keep the plants with care to minimize further damage.
What bug makes holes in strawberry leaves?
The leading cause of holes in strawberry leaves is bugs and insects. Bugs cause different types of holes in strawberry leaves. Generally, slugs and snails are the two common bugs that cause holes in strawberry leaves.
Moreover, some other bugs can also cause holes in strawberry leaves. For example, strawberry bud weevils are also responsible for making holes in strawberry leaves. Besides, aphids can also create holes in strawberry leaves.
Earwig bugs can create holes in strawberry leaves. Earwigs contain pincers that they use to puncture the leaves of strawberries. Also, caterpillars can create holes in the strawberry.
Bugs that have pincers can make holes in leaves. Moreover, some birds can also make holes in leaves. Many other insects can make holes in strawberry leaves. But these bugs are the most common.
How do I keep bugs from eating my strawberry leaves?
Keeping bugs away is the most effective way to keep your strawberry leaves healthy. You can follow some processes to keep bugs away. So, let’s see how you can keep bugs from eating your strawberry leaves.
Planting herbs:
Some herbs are effective in keeping insects and bugs away. For example, mint, basil, garlic, onion, etc., are some plants that can keep bugs away. You can grow these plants along with the strawberry plants.
The smell of these plants will distract bugs that eat strawberry leaves. You can also try to plant marigolds to keep bugs away.
Use insecticides:
You can also use some insecticides to keep the bugs away. For example, you can use insecticide soap or diatomaceous earth (DE) as insecticides. Moreover, garlic spray can also work as an effective insecticide.
Organic method:
You can also follow organic methods to keep bugs away from eating strawberry leaves. For example, you can use garlic spray or pepper spray to deter and keep out bugs.
Moreover, you can also use rotten eggs, castor oil, orange peel, soap, etc., to keep bugs away from eating strawberry leaves.
Use trap:
You can also use some traps to capture bugs. When you trap some bugs, other bugs will be away from the plants. Beer traps, ring traps, and other different types of traps are available to deter bugs.
DIY methods:
You can follow some DIY methods to keep bugs away. For example, you can make DIY insecticides or soap to apply to the plants. This way, the cost of insecticides will also be less.
Final Thoughts
If you see holes in your strawberry leaves, bugs and insects might be responsible for this. Generally, slugs and snails are attracted to strawberry leaves. They often leave holes in the leaves. Other insects and small animals might also be responsible for creating holes in strawberry leaves.