How to Get Rid of Slaters on Cherry Tomato Plant

If you’re looking to grow cherry tomatoes, slaters or pill bugs can be a common pest problem. These little insects are not harmful to humans or pets, but can cause significant damage to plants. Slaters feed on the leaves, stems, and fruits of cherry tomato plants, leading to stunted growth, discoloration, and reduced yield. Fortunately, there are several ways to control and get rid of slaters on cherry tomato plants.

Identify the Problem

Before you can start treating slaters on your cherry tomato plant, it’s essential to identify the problem correctly. Slaters are small, grayish-brown insects that look like tiny armadillos. They have a hard exoskeleton and curl up into a ball when threatened. You may also notice damage to the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. Check for slaters under pots or in the soil around the base of the plant.

Natural Remedies

There are several natural remedies you can use to control slaters on cherry tomato plants. These include:

• Remove debris: Slaters like damp places to hide during the day. Clean up garden debris like leaves and sticks around the base of your cherry tomato plant.
• Dry out the soil: Slaters prefer moist soil, so watering less frequently can help reduce their numbers.
• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth: This is a natural powder made from fossilized algae that works by dehydrating insects’ exoskeletons. It’s safe for humans and pets but avoid inhaling it.
• Spray with neem oil: Neem oil is an organic pesticide that works by disrupting insects’ feeding and reproductive systems. Mix with water or dish soap and spray your cherry tomato plant every few days.

Chemical Remedies

If natural remedies don’t work or you have a severe infestation of slaters, you may need to resort to chemical remedies. Be careful when using chemicals on your cherry tomato plant and follow the instructions carefully. Some chemical remedies include:

• Pyrethroids: This is a chemical pesticide that works by attacking the insects’ nervous system. It comes in spray or granule form and can be applied directly to the soil around the base of your cherry tomato plant.
• Metaldehyde: This is a common slug and snail bait that also works on slaters. It comes in pellet form and should be sprinkled around the base of your cherry tomato plant.
• Boric acid: Boric acid is a poison that can kill slaters by disrupting their digestive system. It comes in powder form and should be applied directly to the soil around the base of your cherry tomato plant.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to pest control. Here are some ways you can prevent slaters from attacking your cherry tomato plants:

• Keep your garden clean: Remove debris and weeds regularly to reduce hiding places for slaters.
• Water carefully: Avoid overwatering your cherry tomato plant as slaters prefer moist soil.
• Plant companion plants: Some plants act as natural repellents for slaters, including marigolds, lavender, and rosemary.
• Use mulch: Mulching can help regulate soil moisture levels and prevent slaters from laying eggs in the soil.

FAQ

Are slaters harmful to humans?

No, slaters are not harmful to humans or pets.

Can I eat cherry tomatoes if they’ve been attacked by slaters?

While slaters are not harmful to humans, they can cause significant damage to cherry tomato plants, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. It’s best to discard any heavily damaged fruits.

Can I use chemical remedies on my cherry tomato plant?

Yes, but be careful when using chemicals on your cherry tomato plant and follow the instructions carefully.

How can I prevent slaters from attacking my cherry tomato plant?

Keeping your garden clean, watering carefully, planting companion plants, and using mulch can all help prevent slaters from attacking your cherry tomato plant.