Are these pests harmful to me?

No, common strawberry pests like slugs and aphids are not harmful to humans. Just wash your fruit thoroughly before eating.

Do I need to use harsh chemicals?

Not at all. Most strawberry pests can be managed with simple physical barriers, traps, or gentle organic soaps.

What is eating my garden strawberry leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look under the leaves for clusters of insects.
Check the soil surface for slimy trails.
Inspect the fruit for bite marks.

Likely causes

Slugs and Snails
Most likely
How to tell: You will see irregular holes in the leaves and slimy trails on the soil or foliage. They are most active during damp, cool weather.
What to do: Place shallow dishes of beer near the plants to trap them. You can also use copper tape around pots or apply organic slug bait.
Aphids
Possible
How to tell: Tiny green or black insects cluster on the undersides of leaves or on new stems. The leaves may look curled or stunted.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your strawberry

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Small amounts of damage are common in outdoor gardens. Worry when the pests are causing significant leaf loss or damaging the ripening fruit.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your plants clear of debris and weeds where pests like to hide.

Strawberry: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your strawberry and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are these pests harmful to me?: No, common strawberry pests like slugs and aphids are not harmful to humans. Just wash your fruit thoroughly before eating.
Do I need to use harsh chemicals?: Not at all. Most strawberry pests can be managed with simple physical barriers, traps, or gentle organic soaps.

What is eating my garden strawberry leaves?

Check these first

Likely causes

Slugs and Snails

Aphids

Find out what's wrong with your strawberry

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Strawberry: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Strawberry