Pest identification
What's eating my seascape strawberry?
Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
Signs: Root-feeding grubs cause sudden wilt of apparently healthy plants; adults notch leaf edges
Control: Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer/early autumn; replace plants every 2–3 years
Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine bronze stippling and webbing on foliage, especially in hot, dry spells; leaves dry out
Control: Keep well irrigated; introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis predatory mites; fatty acid soap spray as a knock-down
Birds
Signs: Ripe berries taken repeatedly across the long fruiting season
Control: Persistent netting from June through to first autumn frost for everbearing cultivars
Slugs and snails
Signs: Holes and cavities in ripe fruit; damage worst in damp, mild weather
Control: Straw mulch; ferric phosphate pellets; copper tape around container edges
Keep seascape strawberry pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Seascape Strawberry pests — FAQ
What is eating my seascape strawberry?
Seascape is an everbearing US Day-neutral variety popular in coastal US gardens and UK growing. Vine weevil grubs are the key underground threat. Two-spotted spider mite can be severe in hot, dry summers on the US West Coast. Slugs and birds target ripe fruit across the long season. Net and apply nematodes for best protection.
How do I get rid of vine weevil (otiorhynchus sulcatus) on seascape strawberry?
Root-feeding grubs cause sudden wilt of apparently healthy plants; adults notch leaf edges Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer/early autumn; replace plants every 2–3 years
How do I get rid of two-spotted spider mite (tetranychus urticae) on seascape strawberry?
Fine bronze stippling and webbing on foliage, especially in hot, dry spells; leaves dry out Keep well irrigated; introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis predatory mites; fatty acid soap spray as a knock-down
How do I get rid of birds on seascape strawberry?
Ripe berries taken repeatedly across the long fruiting season Persistent netting from June through to first autumn frost for everbearing cultivars
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on seascape strawberry?
Holes and cavities in ripe fruit; damage worst in damp, mild weather Straw mulch; ferric phosphate pellets; copper tape around container edges