Article originally written by Annie Klodd, 2022. Reviewed and updated by Madeline Wimmer in 2026. Key Points: Tarnished plant bug (TPB) is the most economically significant pest of strawberries in the Midwest Keep pollinators in mind when spraying for TPB in strawberries, since they are both present during bloom Both synthetic and organic insecticides can be toxic to bees Multiple conventional insecticides control TPB, and they vary in pollinator risk level. Beleaf and Rimon have the lowest pollinator risk while also being effective on TPB. The most effective organic insecticides on TPB, based on existing research, is a rotation of pyrethrins and azadirachtin. More recently, the University of Minnesota found the most effective insecticides were a rotation of Pyganic and DeBug Tres, a product that contains azadirachtin and neem. Scout weekly to determine the need to spray for TPB Manage weeds in and around the field to reduce TPB populations Tarnished plant bug (TPB) damage can l...
