Strawberries are susceptible to several fruit rots. Gray mold or botrytis fruit rot is a very common disease. It occurs most during prolonged, cloudy and rainy periods before harvest. Correctly space plants and time fertilizer applications. If the gardener experiences ongoing disease problems in growing strawberries, identify the disease and treat with the appropriate chemical control according to label instructions.
Slugs can be a persistent pest in the strawberry patch.
Mulch creates the ideal environment for slugs. However, the benefits of mulching far outweigh this disadvantage. Slugs can be controlled by baits or traps, and picking berries as soon as they ripen. Preventive insecticide sprays are not recommended on strawberries.