Avoid Sharing of Strawberries with Birds, Rodents and Other Vertebrate Pests

Abstract

Strawberries Fragaria ananassa Duch., are delicious and packed with nutrition, so not just only humans love to eat them, but are tasty and nutritious to many other creatures. Unfortunately, birds, rodents and a range of other pests may harshly injury to strawberry plants. Thus, purpose of this chapter is enhancing protections against these vertebrate culprits to mark the dissimilarity among an awkward and normal plants. Numerous species of birds consume strawberries that are among the most common pests and as well challenging to manage for the reason that they are very moveable. Frightening maneuvers, such as noisemakers and fake owls or hawks, to some degree are operative, however they might be regularly changed since birds become accustomed to them. Physical hurdles, such as netting and wire mesh are further operative and plants must be completely covered with them, though it is labor-intensive to install. Various rodents might eat strawberries including rats, mice and squirrels, however rabbits may likewise create harms. Physical obstacles will typically retain these pests outside of orchards, even though to this tactic, there are few challenges. Several rodents particularly mice are enough smaller to slipup under or through fences. Barriers used to retain smaller animals out should be prepared from good netting and the bottommost might be tight completely alongside the earth, or be submerged a few centimeters underneath, and likewise netting row shelters above plants might be effective. Deer will also feast on strawberries, but a few more control options are available for these animals than for birds. Physical barriers, like wire mesh row covers can also be effective and electric fences around an entire garden might keep deer out. A combination of methods used in this work are best to protect strawberry plants, but nothing is 100% guaranteed when a foraging pest is truly motivated.

1. Introduction

Strawberries Fragaria ananassa Duch. (Rosales: Rosaceae), are a unique fruit, mostly made up of 91% water when is fresh and ripe. Their primary nutrient is carbohydrates, but contain a very small amount of fat and protein, however these make up less than 1% of their nutrient composition. In general, depending on the size of the strawberry, they usually contain about 10 calories per berry for large or medium-sized berries. They are also fairly high in natural sugar content, which makes up the carbohydrate content. The strawberries, along with other berries such as blueberries and blackberries, are functional foods that have an actively beneficial effect on the body. Strawberries are packed full of all sorts of nutrients that can provide a healthy mental state and create the requirements for fighting off diseases like osteoporosis [1, 2].

In addition to these nutrients, strawberries contain some omega-3 fats and also fiber, which is an important nutrient for good digestive health. They also contain fair amounts of manganese, folate and potassium. Strawberries are full of vitamin C (which supports a healthy immune system), vitamin K, vitamins B1 and B6, potassium and magnesium. They also contain compounds called antioxidants that help to prevent chronic health issues. And more, strawberries are with 91% water content, so, a great source of hydration. For peoples, strawberry tea brewed from the leafy green tops (the green leafy part right on top of berry) can actually help to ease the pain of arthritis [3].

Strawberries (Figure 1) are delicious, packed with nutrition, so not just only humans love to eat them, but are also tasty and nutritious to many other creatures. In addition to being tasty, juicy treat, berries are also packed with antioxidants compounds that can help to pets attain a healthy and strong physique [4]. Their sweet texture makes them a popular food for birds, rodents and other small animals to eat. Strawberries have a good quantity of potassium, which actually support with helping to birds stay happy and healthy [5].

Figure 1.

Strawberries.

Several rodents will feed strawberries if gardeners let them to do so, comprising squirrels, chipmunks and mice. Rabbits might likewise create complications, wherein physical obstacles will generally retain these pests outside to orchards, though there are challenges to this approach. Several rodents particularly mice are enough smaller to slipup under or through fences. Barriers used to retain smaller animals out should be prepared from good netting and the bottommost might be tight completely alongside the earth, or be submerged a few centimeters underneath, and netting row shelters above plants might be effective likewise [6].

Globally, these vertebrate pests are of momentous health and financial significance, therefore, managing these vermin will not merely advantageous to diet security, however as well human and animal health [7]. Whether strawberry fields are large or small, birds and rodents pests will compete for crop. The sweet, sugary berries are irresistible to hungry pests, so some proactive measures are needed to keep unwanted visitors at bay. A combination of methods used in tandem works best to protect strawberry plants, but nothing is 100% guaranteed when a foraging pest is truly motivated. In this article, some simple suggestions will be given for letting our animal friends to find other sources of sustenance and keeping strawberries for humans.

2. Faunae attracted to strawberry plants

Peoples are not only the ones who delight in strawberries taste, but foliage, fruit, root and stem of strawberry plants appeal to numerous birds and animals species. These birds and animals can create variable amounts of harm fluctuating from a mere annoyance to eradicate whole strawberry plant. There are a limited choices existing to support in protecting the plants without spoiling the birds and animals.

Different species of berry consuming birds comprise robins, orioles and finches that can harshly damage or ingest strawberry plants by seriously dropping of produce. Several deterrents are available to keep birds from eating the strawberries without harming to feathered friends. Netting covering all sides of the plant protects the fruit from birds and is readily available at garden centers and home improvement stores. Other deterrent options include fake snakes that frighten to the birds away from the plant. These deterrents must be put into place before the plant produces fruit [8].

Rats, voles and mice are some other animals, which nourish on strawberry plants. Mice and rats commonly gnaw on roots and bark of plant, whereas voles devour fruits, however may as well consume to the roots. Rodents chemical repellent containing Thiram (sulfur fungicide) helps to retain these pests far from plants of strawberry. One more choice is to usage domestic mousetraps lured with peanut butter. Chives, garlic, leek, onion and shallots protect against moles, and lavender is effective as a mouse repellent.

2.1 Birds invader of strawberries

Dozens species of birds feed on strawberries, although some birds are pickier eaters than others. Of the hundreds of bird species, the two dozen or so are the most likely to eat berries. Crows are black birds of the Corvidae family known for their intelligence, adaptability and loud harsh vocalizations. The Corvus is a widely distributed genus comprising crows (generally smaller than ravens), ravens (much larger) and rooks (smaller than crows and have light-colored bills and distinct wedge-shaped tails). The coloration of the livery is dominated by shades of black, with some species having plumage with metallic iridescences and others that have white or gray areas on the neck or torso: a robust and slender appearance, equipped with a small rounded head with a strong conical beak, elongated and pointed, with a slightly curved end towards the bottom: the legs are strong and the tail is short and wedge-shaped. Crows usually feed on the ground and eat almost anything, they frequently cause damage to crops, their common sights in treetops, fields and roadsides, and in habitats ranging from open woods and empty beaches to town centers. The house crow (Corvus splendens), has a gray neck collar (Figure 2) and is a common bird of the crow family found in many parts of the world [9].

Figure 2.

Crow.

Crows prefer larger fruit, such as apples, but they will also take a bite out of strawberries. Crows seldom eat a whole berry, they take a single peck at a strawberry and leave the rest for insects and rodents. Methods for control include hunting, chemical immobilization, harassment and scare tactics, and trapping [10].

The common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), have a long, dark bill, pale yellowish eyes and a long tail, their feathers appear black with purple, green, or blue iridescence on the head, and primarily bronze sheen in the body plumage (Figure 3). Common grackles nest in places other than their usual treetops, including birdhouses, old woodpecker holes and barns. The common grackle forages on the ground, in shallow water or in shrubs, eating insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds, grain, and even small birds and mice [11]. Grackles eat small strawberries whole, but they may just slash larger berries.

Figure 3.

Grackle.

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds in the family Sturnidae, having plumages of many species are typically dark with a metallic sheen (Figure 4). Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruits. Asian species are most common in evergreen forests and many species are important dispersers of seeds. The common starling or European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, which is speckled with white at some times of year. The legs are pink, and the bill is black in winter and yellow in summer [12]. Starlings can do massive damage to strawberry beds in home and field gardens. They descend in flocks and eat everything they can find. They eat smaller fruit whole and peck out the interiors of larger strawberries.

Figure 4.

Starling.

Finches and sparrows are some of the very small species of birds, but sparrows are a bit larger than finches. House finches bear thick, large beaks having grayish shade, while house sparrows hold a greatly more tapering bill, which is lesser than finches and yellow or black in color, subjected to the bird’s breeding stage and gender. House sparrows pattern of color is usually shadier than that of house finches, along with profounder brown, and extra black on the wings and back. Male and female house finches both have noteworthy brown flashing on their belly and flanks in comparison to house sparrows [13]. House finches and house sparrows peck holes in strawberries that leave the fruit susceptible to decay.

Sparrows belong to the family Emberizidae, and arise in brown feathers, dull gray heads and black beaks. Males (Figure 5a) have brighter black, white and brown markings around its bill and on throat; and females (Figure 5b) and young birds are colored pale brown and gray all over their bodies. The house sparrow is strongly associated with human habitation and can live in rural or urban settings. They largely feed on the seeds of plants and weeds, grains, but commonly eat insects and many other foods, and even household foods such as bread. The most common type of sparrow that one witnesses is the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) [14].

Figure 5.

(a) Sparrow (male) and (b) sparrow (female).

Finches are described one of many (hundreds) of small passerine bird species of family Fringillidae. They have tout conical bills adapted for eating of seeds and nuts, and often have colorful plumage. Their small and sharp beaks, help them to eat the food or drink nectar of the flower. They occupy a great range of habitats where they are usually resident and do not migrate. Finches are typically inhabitants of well-wooded areas, but some can be found on mountains or even in deserts. The house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), in most cases, adult males heads, necks and shoulders are reddish (Figure 6a), while female adults have brown upperparts and streaked underparts (Figure 6b). House finches forage on the ground or in vegetation normally. They primarily eat grains, seeds and berries, being voracious consumers of weed seeds [15].

Figure 6.

(a) Finch (male) and (b). Finch (female).

Robins are any of several small similar bird species of thrush group having a red or reddish breast. The European robin (Erithacus rubecula), simply known as robin redbreast of family Muscicapidae, are with an orange breast and face lined with gray, brown upper-parts and a whitish belly, and bill and eyes are black (Figure 7). Its diet generally consists of around 40% small invertebrates mainly insects, and 60% wild and cultivated fruits and berries [16].

Figure 7.

European robin.

The American robin (Turdus migratorius), is a migratory songbird of the true thrush Turdidae family, and has a brown back, reddish-orange breast, white throat with black streaks, white belly and under tail coverts, and the bill is mainly yellow (Figure 8). Its diet consists of invertebrates, fruits and berries [17].

Figure 8.

American robin.

Robins eat a wide variety of food, including worms, seeds, nuts, suet, invertebrates and fruits. Robins eat strawberries whole and they can do substantial damage to a small bed of strawberries.

Oriole is any bird of several brightly colored passerine of the family Icteridae, having black and yellow or orange feathers. They are often found in orchards, prairies, farmland, urban parks, suburban landscapes, forest edge, open woodland, wooded wetlands, leafy deciduous trees and stands of trees along rivers. Among orioles (Passeriformes: Icteridae), bullock’s oriole (Icterus bullockii) adult males (Figure 9a) are characterized by strongly contrasting orange and black plumage, a black throat patch and a white wing bar. The underparts, breast and face are orange or yellow. Adult females (Figure 9b), have gray-brown upperparts, duller yellow on the breast and underparts, and an olive crown. These birds forage in trees and shrubs, also making short flights to catch insects, and they mainly eat insects, berries and nectars [18].

Figure 9.

(a) Bullock’s oriole (male) and (b) Bullock’s oriole (female).

Adults Baltimore orioles (Icterus galbula), constantly have white blocks on the wings. The adult males are yellow-orange on the rump, underparts and patches on shoulder, while entire rest of male’s feathers are black (Figure 10a). The adult females are yellow-brown on the upper parts, have darker wings, and on the belly and breast dull orange-yellow (Figure 10b). It forages in trees and shrubs, also making short flights to catch insects. Baltimore orioles seem to prefer only ripe, dark-colored fruits, seek out the darkest mulberries, the reddest cherries and berries, and will ignore green cherries even if they are ripe. They crack the closed bill into soft fruits, then open their mouths to cut a juicy band from which they drink with their tongues [19].

Figure 10.

(a) Baltimore oriole (male) and (b) Baltimore oriole (female).

Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) in the tit family Paridae, is a passerine bird. It has a black bib and cap with white sides to the face. The underparts of black-capped chickadee are white with rusty brown on the flanks, tail is normally slate gray and back gray (Figure 11). It lives in deciduous and mixed forests, wherein seeds and berries become more important in birds hop along tree branches searching for food, and sometimes hanging upside down or hovering [20].

Figure 11.

Black-capped chickadee.

Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird of the family Corvidae. Predominantly, its coloration is blue, with a white chest and underparts, and a blue crest. It has a black, U-shaped collar around its neck and a black border behind the crest (Figure 12). The blue jay feeds mainly on seeds and nuts, fruits and other berries. In both deciduous and coniferous forests, it normally picks up food from trees, shrubs and the ground [21].

Figure 12.

Blue jay.

Black-headed grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) in family Cardinalidae, is similar in size to a common starling. The males have black wings and head, breast is dark to tawny orange, tail with prominent white patches and yellow belly (Figure 13a). The females have brown neck and head; breast is white; white streaks down the middle of head, eyes and on her cheeks; wings and tail are grayish-brown with two white wing bars, yellowish wing edges; and back with sparrow-like black streaks (Figure 13b). It prefers to live in deciduous and mixed wooded areas with large trees and thick bushes, wetlands and suburban areas. Forages mostly in shrubs and trees, searching for food among foliage, and also may forage on ground. Feeds on seeds of various weeds and eats berries of many plants as well as some cultivated fruits [22].

Figure 13.

(a) Black-headed grosbeak (male) and (b) black-headed grosbeak (female).

Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus), is also a starling-sized passerine bird of family Bombycillidae. It has mainly buff-gray plumage, black face markings, under tail feathers are rusty, white rectangles on wings and a pointed crest. Its wings are patterned with white and bright yellow, and some feather tips have the red waxy appearance (Figure 14). Mainly feeds on insects, especially flying insects, and mostly berries and fruits as they become available, wherein takes berries while perched or hovering. Also eats seeds of birch and other trees, and will drink oozing sap [23].

Figure 14.

Bohemian waxwing.

Brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), is a bird of the Mimidae family usually nesting on small trees and shrubs. It has brown upper parts and white under part with dark streaks, slightly down curved bill, and staring yellow eyes (Figure 15). The habitat of brown thrasher is thickets brush shrubbery and thorn scrub. It forages a diet that includes insects, berries, nuts and seeds. Sometimes they visit feeders or the ground below to pick up fallen seeds. There is a better chance they will visit if dense cover is close by. They can also be attracted by planting of shrubs that produce berries [24].

Figure 15.

Brown thrasher.

Although birds will eat strawberries anywhere they are planted, damage is greater in urban gardens than on farms. Bird damage is greater in a home gardener’s bed of strawberries than in a farmer’s field of strawberries.

2.1.1 Preventing of birds eating strawberries

Protect fruit from birds with netting and put egg shells around strawberries as the shells are excessively harsh for the birds to get nearby to them. Place pea straw around fruit lying on the dirt to keep them going into rotten. Paint stones to look like strawberries, one peck of those and the birds will learn to leave the real ones alone. Start to grow them in the greenhouse away from birds and eat the fruits as soon as these ripe.

The mere presence of birds in the area does not mean those birds are actively eating berries. It is not compulsory to just panic for the reason that growers notice birds in the surrounding area of berries. Several birds are mostly insect eaters and not at all involved in berries. However, those species that are fruit and seed eaters can well be eating on berries. Of the hundreds of bird species, the two dozen or so are the maximum expected to consume berries. Before taking counter measures, make sure there are actually witnessing that the birds are eating fruit. And prior to take any procedures for chasing away of birds, growers must consider the information that those birds can be existing to consume other pests, which are injurious to berries. The similar actions may be used to retain birds far away from the berries and also keeping them for consumption of insects that might be the more severe enemies.

For strawberries grown commercially, bird damage is usually insignificant. Several groups of scientists have done a skillful learning of birds harm to marketable strawberry territories. They observed that birds usually eat approximately 3–4% of a strawberry crop and their fecal contamination affect only around 0.01% of the crop. Within the internal parts of a commercial field, birds consume insects more than strawberries. But, in the margin of the strawberry field, occurrence of birds is a clear encouraging. This is only round the periphery of a farmer’s strawberry field where birds injury compensates benefits by birds. Homebased growers practice a dissimilar story with opinion that birds can destroy some entire crop of home gardeners. However, there are points that both commercial growers and home gardeners can organize to retain birds injury to a lowest level.

2.1.2 Protecting of berries from birds

There are several humane ways to keep berry crop safe from neighborhood birds. Here are a few of the best approaches against the invasions of birds. The sweet, sugary berries are irresistible to hungry pests, so some proactive measures are needed to keep unwanted visitors at bay. A combination of methods used in tandem works best to protect strawberry plants, but nothing is 100% guaranteed when a foraging pest is truly motivated. For homebased strawberry beds, the way out is to shelter strawberries with bird-resistant material. Collect some 1 × 1 woody decking bits (25 mm × 25 mm) from neighborhood home development center or timber backyard. Practice the decking fragments to construct an arrangement similar a table wide and long sufficient to cover whole strawberry bed, and enough tall to lodge the highest plants. Create a table, but not a box, so that there is no lower edge to press them. Fasten netting cloth on five sides over the box, by leaving the base exposed. At that moment, just place the box over strawberries and lift it up only to reap. This configuration can as well be used to shelter other plants while strawberries are not bearing fruit.

If gardeners are commercially developing of strawberries, there are two options for caring field from birds; should have all of strawberries in a continuous single field, because larger is the field, the more secure plants are in its middle. Eliminate birds habitation nearby to strawberry field and do not leave shrubbery, grasslands or bird houses round strawberry plants.

Consider two times prior to stating fighting on birds that consume to strawberries. Several cities and towns are bird reservations, and it is each time unlawful to destroy birds in these localities. Toxic substance does not discriminate among bird species, if gardeners place out toxin for a species, it is legal to destroy, for instance a grackle, however if an endangered species consumes the poisoned bait and expires, growers might be guilty of a federation or state criminality. Even though birds are swarming and dropping down on plant, gardeners could require to apply for a migratory bird depredation permit that might be attained from wildlife service to take care of large numbers of birds with lethal methods. Non-toxic and non-lethal methods are better for controlling of birds on commercial fields [25].

2.1.2.1 Visual scare and noisemaker devices

Visual scaring devices comprise streamers, spinners, plastic owl and plastic snake models, scare-eyes (balloons having eyes dyed on them), and aluminum pie pans. Birds may come to be habituated to visual deterrents, hence it is compulsory to use variable colors and types of devices positioned in changeable sites to retain birds from becoming used to these.

Noisemaker devices for birds deterrence contain exploders, cannons and sirens. Noisemakers work the finest while they are applied at irregular interims. When noisemakers are used every day at the same time, birds will turn into habituated to them. Tape recorders of bird distress calls are extra operational than generic sources of noise, however, it is essential to acquire tapes of the precise types for birds initiating losses. Noise does frighten to birds off and having a radio near or in berry patch will create enough noise to frighten hungry birds away. Compatibly, once the birds get used to the noise, they would not be shy about investigating of garden.

For protecting of strawberry beds from birds, gather several small pebbles, paint them red with craft paint and sprinkle them in and around strawberry plants. Of course the birds will be attracted, after a while get tired of pecking the rocks and leave the strawberries alone. Growers can likewise effort cheating to the birds through finely image of strawberry-shaped rocks to appear alike strawberries and then allocate them evenly all over strawberry plants. The cheerful red color will appeal to resident avian raiders looking for some free food to these locations. Fortuitously, few pecks will show the trick and halt the plans of birds. Not desiring to be tricked constantly, they will learn soon that strawberries, which their mind states should be charming are really quite uneatable. As soon as the experience has been learned, they will vacate to strawberry bed alone.

2.1.2.2 Flash tape and CDs or aluminum pie plates

Movement and shine of any objects will frighten to most birds off. Flash tape basically is foil tape or strip of Mylar, which flutters in the wind, so frightening off to the birds. The birds do not like to the luster of tape and something that moves is worthy for retaining birds outside the area. Foil tape is humane, inexpensive and comparatively self-effacing. However, when the birds are enough hungry, they will take risk for moving adjacent the tape to acquire a strike of fresh berries.

The idea behind CDs or aluminum pie plates on a thread system is the similar to the Mylar flash tape, because glittery, stirring stuffs will scare to any voracious birds from the region. For using of this technique, only tie some cord through the hole in a CD, or create a hole in a pie plate and string or thread through it and suspend it from a pole or fence nearby to berries. This method also provides a great opportunity to recycle, since growers can use old CDs and used aluminum pie plates. And, as with the flash tape method, if birds are very hungry, this method would not deter them for long.

2.1.2.3 Netting

Birds love to ripe berries and for keeping of birds from eating of berries, it is a good idea to cover the plants with bird’s netting as soon as the berries begin to ripen. Small birds may get inside the netting and get caught. Also, the netting is easy to lift off for picking the berries, fairly inexpensive and easy to replace. Be sure to weight down the netting with stones, boards or rocks, so it does not fly away. And do not leave any gaps where the birds can hop in underneath the net. This is possibly the greatest fool-proof technique for protecting more of the berry yield. As a result of netting draping above small fruit trees and berry bushes, growers can check to birds from getting at the great bulk of the berries. For plants such as strawberries, floating row cover frames can support netting to protect the berries from birds. Loftier berry bushes can be secured through pop-up screens, traded by garden supplying retailers.

2.1.2.4 Fake predators and pinwheels

A realistic-looking fake predators on a post will help to scare pesky birds away from berries. The clue behind it is forthright that birds realize an imaginary predator (scarecrow, bird of prey, human dummy or snake) nearby the berries and they would not move close to them. Orchard supply stores sale a number of diverse cardboard or inflatable owls, scarecrows, snakes or hawks to practice in the orchard. For making of this effort, frames are needed to exchange the scarecrow after every few days to a fresh location in the area. Straightly, the birds will eventually figure out that the scarecrow is not stirring. Birds have snakes as natural enemies, so placing a rubber snake around the yard is a great way to keep the birds at a distance. This is especially true of birds looking for a place to nest as they know that snakes will eat the eggs. If some part of the scarecrow moves, such as a tie that flutters in the breeze, it will work all the better.

Outdoor pinwheels are more than simple decorations, but when the fins have a metallic or reflective surface like the metal, solar powered ornament, they can naturally scare birds away. The sudden flashes of light startle the birds and will help to keep them away from strawberries. Pinwheels are also quite durable and only need occasional inspection to ensure they are still upright and working.

2.1.2.5 Birds bath and feeders

Birdbaths will bring a wide variety of backyard birds to garden or yard and many of these birds feast on insect pests. A general concept is that while birds attack a berry area, they are not so voracious as greatly as they are thirsty. The higher content of water in berries makes them a perfect object for thirsty birds. By means of having a birdbath in adjacent, growers provide to them what they want really and birds vacate berries lone. This will perform even well if growers can add the voice of water, by the usage of a fountain or dripper. If the birds really are just hungry, growers have provided them with a full meal instead of just a drink.

As with the bird bath idea, inviting birds to the garden can help growers to control insect pests. The belief behind this clue is that when growers provide to the birds their very particular diet, they will vacate crop lonely. Place one or two feeders in nearby vicinity to berry area and the birds will move to the feeders as a replacement of looting to plant. But, if growers are not careful about keeping of the feeders full once hungry birds have been attracted, they could very well notice the luscious berries nearby and feast on them.

2.1.2.6 Smells to scare away birds

There are many smells that can repel to birds away from strawberries, for example, garlic, cayenne pepper and peppermint oil are all known to be offensive to birds and all happen to be organic products. Growers can create a mixture of cayenne pepper combined with water to spray on strawberries. The scent will cause the birds to react and pull away quickly, however, growers need to reapply the cayenne pepper spray frequently to keep the scent strong and remember to wash strawberries before eating them.

A chemical so-called methyl anthranilate is there, which flavors bad to birds, however it is unpleasant for persons. But, this might not be lawful wherever growers are living and it may not be used in production of organic strawberry. On occasion, this injuries to foliage of plants on which it is dripping. And occasionally, the top-secret to keep birds beyond strawberry area, is exchanging of varieties. Implanting of alpine gold strawberries that when ripe are yellow, could fool to birds searching for red strawberries.

2.2 Rodents invader of strawberries

There are numerous animal species that also love to these mouthwatering red berries. And that is why growers may often find their berries drilled or half-eaten in a specific style. Mice and some other rodents might be a key problematic for any horticulturist. They can remove seeds out of the ground, and eat gnaw on the foliage and eliminate any berries and fruit the plants produce. Soft fruits, such as strawberries, are mostly vulnerable to rodents attack. Strawberry plants deliver delicious and fresh fruits from a yard. They likewise act as an open offer for several pests, such as rodents that will feast on entire portions of the plant, as well as its roots. These vermin can result variable grades of injury to strawberry and in risky situations lurk to the lifespan of the plant.

Various rodents will eat strawberries, including mice, squirrels, chipmunks and rats that love to eat strawberries, Fortuitously, maximum of rodents live inside a smaller expanse and certainly not wander further than nearly 100 feet from anywhere they are born. If farmers can remove rodents habitation round strawberry plants, they would not have a problematic with mice and rats that steal to fruit [26].

2.2.1 Mice

Characteristically, mouse is a small slender body mammal known to have a pointed snout, small rounded ears and a thinly furred scaly tail (Figure 16) in family Muridae. Mice are a disastrous problematic equally outside and inside, and they may invade garden and home, nourishing on plants and foods. They are good jumpers and climbers as well as master swimmers, living in temperatures as low as 14°F and squeezing into openings greatly lesser than their body mass. Mice gnaw on the barks and roots of trees along with vegetable and fruit plants. They will likewise passage to other soft parts of the plants, for instance, fruits and foliage. Three utmost communal mice species expected to produce pest burdens for farm holders are house mouse (Mus musculus Linnaeus), white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque) and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus Wagner) [27, 28].

Figure 16.

Mouse.

These furry wander often run across wild strawberries during their travels. They often eat every part of the strawberry, including the stalk, the berry and the roots of the plant. Grow mice repell plants near to the strawberries. Mint, lavender and catnip are all disliked by mice and other rodents, possibly because all these plants attract to cats.

2.2.2 Rats

Rats are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents of the family Muridae and usually a large muroid rodent include the rat (Figure 17), while a smaller muroid is mouse. The best-known rat species are black rat also known as the ship rat (Rattus rattus) and the brown rat or wharf rat (Rattus norvegicus). Indeed, rats have long been considered deadly pests, they devour a wide range of plant and animal foods, and infest any area that provides shelter and easy sources of food and water. Rats are unwanted in gardens because of the damage they can cause to fruits, vegetables, seeds, bulbs, plants and containers. They can also expose people and pets to various diseases and parasites. Rodents can cause damage in garden, which can range anywhere from feasting on fruits and a wide range of garden vegetables, and damage to earth banks. The only rat species likely to find in garden is the brown (Norway) rat (R. norvegicus) [29].

Figure 17.

Rat.

Out of all foods the rodents consume, their top two loves are generally for fruits and berries. The wild rats and mice consume these foods at every opportunity, even before they are ripe. As a result, strawberries trees as well as blackberry and raspberry shrubberies can work as magnetic form for the animals. After unconsumed berries and fruits are left on their trees or bushes to rot, or left in exposed trash cans, these rodents are drawn by the sweetness and smell. Strawberries can be a good source of dietary fiber, water and nutrients as part of rat’s weekly fresh foods rotation. Rats and mice are known to nibble on everything from grass and weeds to small twigs and bits of bark. Plant seeds are another favorite food among these animals [30].

The best way to keep rodents out of garden is to eliminate any harborage points around garden, and remove any potential nesting places by keeping of gardens clean and tidy. Remove piles of wood, clippings etc., and cut back overgrown areas. Rodenticides will be helpful to destroy a rodent populace. An appetizing bait formulation appeals to rats and mice having necessary odors, texture and taste with constituents such as oats. These features retain them eating until they have swallowed a fatal dosage by engaging to their natural wish for chewing [31, 32].

2.2.3 Voles

Voles (Rodentia: Cricetidae) look similar to house mice, but have a rounded snout and head, smaller ears and shorter tail than the average house mouse. Their coats are dark brown with gray fur on their bellies (Figure 18). As herbivores, voles will eat plants, fruits, grasses, stems, leaves and berries. Voles feast on plants of all species including strawberries and other crops. There are a number of vole species, the maximum frequent being meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus Rhoads), prairie vole (Microtus ochrogastor Wagner) and woodland or pine vole (Microtus pinetorum Le Conte) [33]. They usually feed on the above ground parts of strawberries including the foliage, seeds and fruits, and also gnaw bark from plants. They gladly chew on fruits throughout the plant’s developing period, however will passage onto strawberry roots in the fall, spring and winter until their abdomens are filled. Clusters of grassland surrounded by grass pieces and brown or green rice-shaped feces is a symbol that voles are invading to orchard [34].

Figure 18.

Vole.

2.2.4 Moles

Moles are small mammals of the family Talpidae in the order Eulipotyphla, and have cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, very small inconspicuous eyes and ears, reduced hind limbs, and short powerful forelimbs with large paws adapted for digging (Figure 19). Moles have polydactyl forepaws each has an extra thumb (also known as a prepollex) next to the regular thumb. Moles are known pests to human activities such as agriculture, lawn and gardening through damage to young plants by disturbance of the soil. They can undermine plant roots, indirectly causing damage or death, but do not eat plant roots. Moles on occasion are accused of inflicting damage to strawberry roots, although they are insectivores, do not classified as rodents and not eat plants. However, they can disturb the roots by burrowing tunnels below the plant. Additionally, plant-feeding rodents, for instance, voles usage old mole burrows to acquire plant roots without digging of new tunnels. Moles have short tails and pointy small snouts, and their back and front limbs are short with a spade like outline. Their anterior feet are bigger than the posterior and have lengthy claws prepared for burrowing through soil [35].

Figure 19.

Mole.

Moles are managed through traps such as mole-catchers, smoke bombs and poisons such as calcium carbide, which produces acetylene gas to drive moles away. The most common method now is Phostoxin or Talunex tablets that contain aluminum phosphide and are inserted in the mole tunnels, where they turn into phosphine gas [36].

2.2.5 Squirrels and chipmunks

Squirrels of family Sciuridae, are members in order Rodentia of the family Sciuridae that include small or medium-size rodents (Figure 20). The squirrel family mainly includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks and flying squirrels plus others. Squirrels typically have slender bodies with long very bushy tails and large eyes, and generally their fur is soft and silky. In most squirrel species, the hind limbs are longer than the fore limbs, while all species have either four or five toes on each paw. Squirrels are occasionally considered pests because of their propensity to chew on various edible and inedible objects, and cause economic losses to homeowners, nut growers and forest managers. One factor all of those squirrels have in common is their desire to devour fresh berries from strawberry plants. Tree squirrels can live on trees; however, they frequently select orchard beds as their favorite dwelling for exploration of diet. Strawberries appeal to these pests as the fruits start to develop. The squirrels attack to orchard, robbing the berries earlier to growers have a chance to reap them [37, 38].

Figure 20.

Squirrel.

Squirrels are excellent climbers and can reach the plants via telephone or electrical wires, or jumping from tree branches. Both ground (Otospermophilus beecheyi) and tree squirrels (Western gray squirrel Sciurus griseus and Eastern fox squirrel Sciurus niger) enjoy foraging on the ground for vegetables and fruits. Ground squirrels primarily eat vegetable plants in the seedling stage, but they can consume entire young plants. The burrows of the ground squirrel can leave large mounds in garden or lawn and chew through any small tree roots or plant roots they encounter. Tree squirrels eat most soft vegetables and fruits grown in gardens, and tomatoes, strawberries and corn often see the worst damage. Tree squirrels of all species love feeding on fruit and nut tree, and they eat both mature and immature fruits [39].

Squirrels are also a nuisance when growing of strawberries, as they like to feed on ripe berries. For keeping them off from eating berries, wrap netting around the plants during fruiting. Once harvested the strawberries, remove the netting, so the birds can eat any unwanted insect pests on the plants. Active measures are needed to be taken in order to ensure that squirrels do not damage strawberry crop. Modify the habitat surrounding to strawberry patch to make it less desirable to squirrels. Remove bird feeders, clean up brush piles and keep tight lids on outdoor trashcans. Trapping is often necessary to remove squirrels from residential structures. Effective baits include fruit, peanut butter, nuts, seeds and vanilla extract.

Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is a small, brownish, ground-dwelling squirrel, have short, pointy head marked with two white stripes, one above and one below the eye, five black lines with white striping down to the back (Figure 21), and holds food with the front feet. Chipmunks have an omnivorous diet primarily consisting of seeds, nuts and other fruits, and buds. They also commonly eat grass, shoots and many other forms of plant matter as well. Around humans, chipmunks can eat cultivated grains and vegetables, and other plants from farms and gardens, so they are sometimes considered pests. Chipmunks mostly forage on the ground, but they climb trees to obtain nuts. Fruits and vegetables also make up the chipmunk’s diet, and they often seek out strawberries, blackberries and other berries that grow close to the ground. Chipmunks can be pretty cute, but the cuteness fades quickly when they begin to destroy the strawberry harvest. They can be voracious eaters and will reduce to strawberry patch to a wasteland in record time, if allowed to get away with it. Their digging and acrobatic abilities make it hard to fence them out [40].

Figure 21.

Chipmunk.

Both snap traps and live traps are an option for getting rid of chipmunks. Snap traps will kill them, while live traps make its catching, so can be transported to a more suitable location. Chipmunks are fond of nuts and seeds, so peanut butter and sunflower seeds are good bait for traps. A chicken wire hedge as a minimum of 30 inches tall submerged about 6 inches deep will benefit to guard the plants. The bottommost of the hedge that will be concealed ought to be curved at a 90-degree angle out away from the plants. This will aid to stop the animals from get into the plants by digging below the wire. Refrain from using poisons since they can also harm to pets and other wildlife.

2.2.6 Raccoons

The raccoon is a medium-sized mammal and the largest member of the family Procyonidae in order Carnivora. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have masks on their faces that frequently illustrates them as robbers. They have soft, ringed tails and their bodies are variable in shades of gray, with hints of light brown (Figure 22). The forepaws of raccoons look like to small human hands with five toes that mark raccoons very agile [41].

Figure 22.

Raccoon.

The original habitats of the raccoon are deciduous and mixed forests, but due to their adaptability, they have extended their range to mountainous areas, coastal marshes and urban areas, where some homeowners consider them to be pests. It is usually nocturnal and omnivorous, its diet consists a variety of different foods, eating about 27% vertebrates, 33% plants and 40% invertebrates, but it prefers fruits and nuts. Wild populations prefer areas with trees and water nearby in addition to garbage cans. Raccoons are notorious for their love of sweet corn, and will also eat strawberries, melons, potatoes, peas, tree fruits and grubs. They will dig holes in maturing melons and munch on ripening tree fruits. Like squirrels, they also have been known to clean out bird feeders. They eat both mature and immature fruits of strawberries [42].

Raccoons are great climbers, swimmers, jumpers and runners. Their five-toed paws make them very dexterous and their agility can allow them to outsmart every human’s concoction used to deter them. On fruit trees, place baffles on tree trunks to prevent raccoons from climbing them. Prune overhanging limbs that raccoons can use to launch themselves into the fruit tree. Some homemade repellents that have been used successfully are a dusting of baby powder or blood meal on fruit trees. Raccoons can be scared temporarily by loud, intermittent noises or lights, or try using of motion sensors that activate jets of water, but the best deterrent is a good fence throughout the strawberry growing area.

2.2.7 Hamsters

Hamsters are rodents of order Rodentia belonging to the family Cricetidae and the best-known species of hamster is golden or Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Physically, they are stout-bodied with distinguishing features that comprise elongated cheek pouches extending to their shoulders, used to carry food back to their burrows, as well as a short tail and fur-covered feet (Figure 23). Depending on the species, they have silky fur long or short, colored gray, black, white, honey, brown, red, yellow or a mix [43].

Figure 23.

Hamsters.

Hamsters are more crepuscular (primarily active during the twilight period), than nocturnal or diurnal and remain concealed during the day to escape being trapped by predators. Primarily, they feed on seeds, nuts, fruits and occasionally eat burrowing insects. They carry food in their spacious cheek pouches to their underground storage chambers [44].

Wild hamsters are omnivores and exist on a mixed diet of vegetation, grains and grasses as well as some insects. Strawberries are a perfectly healthy, safe snack for hamsters and can be a good part of their balanced diet. Hamsters can eat strawberries quite comfortably without hurting to themselves. The fruits have a great nutritional value for hamsters since it also provides them with many health benefits.

2.2.8 Guinea pigs

Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), also known as the cavy in family Caviidae have a short and smooth coat that may be cream, white, reddish or chocolate brown, tan, black, or a combined pattern. There is a crest of longer hairs at the neck, but tail is not visible externally. It resembles to other cavies in having a robust body with large head and eyes, and short ears and limbs. There are four toes on the forefeet and three on the hind feet having hairless soles and short sharp claws (Figure 24). The guinea pig’s natural diet is grass and their molars are particularly suited for grinding of plant matter [45, 46].

Figure 24.

Guinea pig.

Herds of animals move together, eating grass or other vegetation, they do not build nest or burrow, but frequently seek shelter in the burrows of other animals. They are herbivores, feed on mainly grasses and greens, and most likely love to chew on some strawberries, and can eat strawberry’s stems, tops and leaves. Similar to strawberries, strawberry stems might get even more excited to pest than the fruit itself. Leaves of strawberries are another great treat for cavy, as they contribute to facilitate a proper digestion of the fruit. And it is needless to say that guinea pigs adore chewing on various green leaves just for fun. Additionally, guinea pig’s health will utterly benefit from the high levels of compounds that strawberries contain [47, 48].

For protecting of strawberry plants from guinea pig, gardeners can build a wooden cage and install a wire mesh over the cage to avoid approaching animals from entering into this enclosure. Unfortunately, fencing would not always help to keep guinea pig and other rodents away from strawberry plants. It is because these culprits have the ability to dig underground holes and come up to garden for feeding on these mouthwatering berries.

2.2.9 Marmots

Marmots also known as groundhogs are squarish stocky animals; they can climb and swim; have short strong legs; coarse, grizzled, gray-brown fur; small ears; a short, bushy tail; and curved claws. They have large, competent, chisel-like teeth that make them efficient, but not quite endearing. Marmots are occasionally destructive to gardens and pasturelands, and not only eat garden crops, but sometimes also eat worms and insects. Greens food like lettuce, dandelions, daisies, alfalfa, clovers, red mulberry and hackberry leaves they eat from the garden. The food in the trees category includes bark and twigs, and they love eating vegetables like celery, carrots, broccoli, peas, corn and beans. The fruits that they feed on include berries, cherries and apples, and these food varieties can draw in groundhogs. Accordingly, the more groundhog food has in garden, the more probable these critters will be to make tunnels. This is particularly obvious since groundhogs travel no farther than 150 feet from their homes for food [49, 50].

Apart from other rodents, marmots also love to the taste of strawberries and some of them can even damage the crop just to nibble on a few. Gardeners might even face mysterious disappearances of berries or may have already noticed every morning. Their habit of burrowing makes them serious nuisance animals around farms and gardens, and are a thorn on the side of many gardeners.

Groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as woodchucks, thickwood badger, red monk, land beaver or whistling pigs, are members of the squirrel family Sciuridae known as marmots. Groundhogs have four incisor teeth, are well-adapted for digging, with short, powerful limbs and curved thick claws, and tail is comparably shorter (Figure 25). It is typically found in forests, small woodlots, fields, pastures and hedgerows, and constructs dens in well-drained soil. It cleans its face similar to the manner of the squirrels and licks its fur like the manner of a cat. They are solitary hibernating mammals and eat almost every type of green plants [51].

Figure 25.

Marmot.

Mostly groundhogs are herbivorous, eat primarily wild grasses and other vegetation, including berries and agricultural crops. Groundhogs live in tunnels, which can have more than one entry and burrows can be simply recognized by way of dunes of dug soil along with entries. Their dirt mounds and tunnel holes obstruct to farmhouse tools and can pose a risk to livestock and horses. An adult groundhog can consume about a pound to a pound-and-a-half of vegetation daily. They eat everything from flowers to vegetables, and consume grasses, clovers, leaves, twigs, berries, beans, plantain, soybeans, blossoms, twigs, bark and bugs. Damage to fruit and ornamental trees is caused by gnawing, so, look for paw imprints with four toes on the front paws and five toes on the back with one set lower than the rest [51].

Eliminate woodpiles and other places where groundhogs nest, and keep undergrowth and grass cover low to deter groundhogs. Groundhogs are always looking for vacant burrows, so, close down their tunnel systems. The most important feature to help keep groundhogs out of garden is a good fence and if the steel mesh is embedded around six inches into the ground, this can help reduce the chances of the groundhog being able to dig under the fence. Excluding of woodchucks from the garden will also keep out deer, rabbits and raccoons. Once is selected a groundhog trap, lure the animal inside with a carefully designated and positioned bait such as strawberries in order to lead a successful catch.

2.2.10 Rodents control for strawberries

Eradicate rodents habitation through clearing of tall bushes and grasses surrounded by 50 feet from plantings. Make certain that grasses nearby to field or garden are clipped during the developing period and earlier to frost. At no time let firewood trash, or boards to hoard nearby field or garden and at no time left strawberries filled by weeds. Rodents can be controlled with traps, repellants and baits options.

2.2.10.1 Trapping

Trapping of moles, voles and mice can be done by usage everyday mousetraps for home based routine. Peanut butter positioned under the pressure trigger is helpful to stop the rodents from acquiring the diet without trap setting. Just the once baited, place the trap alongside the base of rodent’s burrow or a noticeable runway and align the trap at an exact angle. Once a day, check the trap and eliminate any deceased rodents, and re-bait, if needed until no anymore is catching. Retaining pieces of apples in the rodent’s burrow during the spring will aid to conclude if orchard is once again infested with these pests. If the apple pieces display symbols of gnawing, then once again, place newly baited traps near to burrow [52].

2.2.10.2 Repellents

Marketable rodent repellents comprising of thiram are helpful to retain moles, voles, mice and other pests far from strawberry plants. These repellants have their individual particular guidelines that must be trailed to take full advantage of efficiency and avoid harm to the plants. One more choice is to remove the rodent’s hiding areas and habitat through observance of areas with high grasses clipped and yard neat and free of wildflowers. Caring of strawberry plants with fences, such as barrier is another choice to retain rodents from ingestion of plants. But, these fences normally shield to stems and leaves of strawberry plant, and ensure nil to shelter the roots [53].

2.2.10.3 Baits

There are certain rodenticides existing for field usage and can only be used by certified pesticide applicators. However, aluminum phosphide tablets and gas cartridges could be used to fumigate pest burrows. Agrarians may use bait stations to evaluate rodent populations decline, afterward use of rodenticide across the plantation flooring and below the canopies of trees. Globally, rodent pests are maximally frequently controlled chemically and there is an augmented interest in biological control by avian predators. Several avian predators (Tyto alba, Elanus axillaris, Falco tinnunculus, Falco cenchroides, Bubo bengalensis, Buteo rufinus) are commonly quoted in the biological control of rodents; however, barn owl (T. alba) is the most cited species [54].

2.3 Other vertebrate pests invader of strawberries

There are a few other herbivorous and mammals that become sometimes sporadic pests on crops. These include some species of rabbits and deer that depredate on strawberries.

2.3.1 Rabbits

Also known as bunnies, rabbits (Animalia: Chordata: Mammalia), are small mammals of the family Leporidae in the order Lagomorpha, along with hare (larger in size than rabbits and have proportionately longer ears) and pika (an even coat of fur, short rounded ears, short limbs, round body and no external tail), having similar herbivorous diets. Rabbits have large hind leg bones and front foot has four toes plus a dewclaw, while each hind foot has four toes (Figure 26). Rabbit habitats include forests, woods, meadows, grasslands, wetlands and deserts. They live in burrows, as a result of their appetites and the breeding rate their depredation can be problematic for agriculture. Fumigation of warrens, barriers (fences), shooting, snaring and ferreting have been used to control rabbit populations [55].

Figure 26.

Rabbit.

The rabbits executing the maximum of injury in gardens and yards are black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), desert cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus audubonii) and desert brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani). These brown to gray rabbits a lot look similar, however they differ in size significantly. Jackrabbits are the biggest, measuring 17–21 inches long and weighing 3–7 pounds. Desert cottontails develop to 1–1/2 to 2–3/4 pounds weight and 12–15 inches long. The brush rabbit is the tiniest among them, at 1–1/4 to 1–4/5 pounds weight and 11–13 inches in length. Rabbits also leave behind dark round fecal pellets in abundance. Rabbits normally feed at night, but a desperate animal may feed any time of day. Rabbits are cute, but they will make strawberry plants their food. Rabbits munch on foliage and other tender parts of strawberry plants [56].

Noisemakers, ultrasonic devices and lights are only effective for short-term protection. Installing of barrier may not retain these pests far away from plants, as they can excavate below the fence. Chicken wire may be used to make a barrier, if its bottom is curved at an angle far from the orchard and then concealed no less than 6 inches, to keep rabbits away from strawberry plants. The chicken wire barrier must be as a minimum of 24 inches tall and borders the whole plant. Garlic may act as a rabbit repellent, especially if it is mixed with oil and fish emulsion, and used as a spray for plants. Probably, a limited gnawed foliage would not destroy to vine, however rabbits quickly can destroy a fresh vine in initial spring. Protect to fresh vines with a plastic cover or encircle these in chicken wire. Chicken wire having holes lesser than 1 inch can efficiently prevent to rabbits, which can squeeze through bigger places. As soon as plants are mature, it is generally safe to get rid of protecting coverings. Rabbit deterring sprays that contain rotten egg, cayenne pepper or castor oil are in use, however they need to be reapplied repeatedly, particularly after irrigation or rain. Blood meal mixed into a gallon or water or an Epsom salt spray will keep the rabbits from eating young berry plants [57, 58].

2.3.2 Hungry herd of deer

Deer or true deer are hoofed ruminant mammals from the family Cervidae (diverse family after bovids) forming the Artiodactyla order. Deer are widely distributed in a variety of biomes, ranging from tundra (treeless mountain tract) to the tropical rainforest, prairie and savanna (open space). Deer are browsers, feed primarily on foliage of trees, grasses, shrubs, forbs and sedges, and secondarily on lichens during winter in northern latitudes. Spotted deer also known as chital deer or axis deer (Axis axis), males are bigger than females, antlers are only present on males, upper portions are golden to rufous and covered completely with white spots (Figure 27). The throat, ears, rump, insides of legs, tail and abdomen are whole white, whereas a noticeable black stripe goes alongside to back bone [59].

Figure 27.

Deer.

Deer are stylish creatures that can cause extensive damage to strawberry plants. Deer forage on the foliage of strawberries and can consume the entire plant leaving only a stub. Deer can cause serious damage to strawberry plants unless precautions are taken. Deer feed on the leaves and fruit of strawberry plants, and can also trample plants. There are various methods that can be employed to have deer management and they can be fragmented down into two main types: nonlethal (chemical repellents, fencing to form a physical barrier and wildlife birth control using vaccines administered by dart or shot) and lethal (hunting for meat known as venison or a trophy using a bow and arrow, rifle, muzzle loader or other approved weapons) to keep them away or minimize the damage. Both these methods are used to regulate the population of deer in a specific area if their populations remain high for long periods [60].

Deer damage to orchards by nourishing on roots, leaves and stems of plant. Fortuitously, onion, garlic, catnip, dill, chives, oregano, lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme and spearmint retain deer away from lawn, garden and shrubbery. Even though persons find the odor of these herbs amusing, deer distaste to their fragrance and give a wide berth to areas planted with them. Growers can plant a boundary of more or one of these herbs round whole garden, lawn or landscape expanse, so they may enclose bushes or plants that deer find pretty. Blood meal, feather meal and marketable deer repellents positioned nearby the strawberry plants will be helpful to retain deer not there. It is superlative to usage these repellents earlier to deer start feeding on the plants. One more choice is to shelter the strawberry plants through set up a barrier round the whole orchard. But, this could be a pricey decision dependent on the bulk of the orchard and kind of material selected for the barrier. Odor repellents may keep deer out of gardens and options include soap, dog hair and human hair [61, 62].

3. Conclusion

Strawberries are packed with full of vitamins C, B9 and K, plus healthy dietary fiber, manganese, and potassium. Planting of strawberries is a serious work, not to mention expensive. But, strawberry fields are to be protected from birds and other rodents like rats, mice and chipmunks. Just like any other animals, rodents afraid of humans, so to deal with them is by using of a battery-operated radio in filed at each night when these pests usually strike. Tune into a 24-hour radio station that broadcasts news rather than music. It will sound as if humans are near and talking to each other. Any other method of growers choice is expected to provide more or less achievement in guarding of berry yield, though the top durable key, definitely is to practice net above berry crop. Generally, the reap period for birds is a little one nearly the similar period it is for humans reaping berries. Hence, it needs not to have much worry in the initial days of berry development and maturing. However, likewise remember that wildlife of backyard is one of the delights for gardening. Birds are helpful by consuming of pest insects and they increase a component of living attractiveness to the orchard. Through trying these simple humane ways of guarding berries, growers can peacefully coexist with these feathered groups. The simplest method of protecting strawberries, works against all animal pests, but not just birds or rodents. An exclusion method of protection also prevents birds and rodents from wreaking havoc in strawberry garden. Over the top of the stakes, drape bird’s net, holding the netting over the plants. Mound rocks or soil onto the edges of netting to anchor it to the earth for excluding rodents, birds and other animals from strawberry area.

Birds love to eat strawberries because they are sweet and juicy and the perfect way for birds is to get lots of nutrients. Insects such as tiny worms or flies can be found on strawberries, which can boost a bird’s protein intake. All these vitamins and nutrients are essential to keep birds healthy and aid in preventing of diseases. Strawberries are safe for wild birds and although it is important to remember that store bought fruit may have been treated with pesticides. When a pet bird eats pesticide chemicals, it can cause internal damage or even death. For this reason, it is always recommend offering home-grown or organic strawberries to the pet bird if it can be done. If that is not possible, then strawberries should be cleaned before offering them at birds feeder by soaking in a diluted vinegar solution (4 parts water, 1 part vinegar) for 15 min and then thoroughly rinse with fresh water. Also, there can be used white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for washing of strawberries.

It is not necessary to kill all probable pests to protect whole strawberry crop. Diligent pests control can preserve strawberry crop and let Nature to take care of birds, rodents and other pests. Killing of endangered birds or rodents is a crime that can result in civil and criminal penalties. Determine, which species of animals are occurring as pests in orchards, fields or yards of any region, but avoid using control methods that could harm to endangered species before to begin a control program. Such consequences will enable managers to manage or modify landscapes at appropriate levels to increase avian and rodent fauna to real densities.