Traps are unlikely to be practical in commercial plantings, and their effectiveness under field conditions remains unproven. Toxic baits are available for slugs and snails, but this control method is usually ineffective. Most frequently, prevention through cultural management, including incorporation of trickle irrigation, is suggested. Two-spotted spider mites are common on many species of cultivated and weedy plants. These mites can overwinter on the undersides of strawberry leaves close to the ground.
Mites feed by piercing tissue with their mouthparts and extracting cell contents.
Damaged leaves may take on a stippled or bronzed appearance. High populations of mites can weaken strawberry plants and there may be a visible webbing on the undersides of leaves and between leaflets and stems. Feeding by spider mites reduces vigor and yield and may lead to stunting or death. Two-spotted spider mites are light to dark green with two distinctive black spots on the abdomen. Eggs are spherical and clear when first laid.