How to Get Rid of Slaters on Coral Bells Plant

Coral Bells is a beautiful perennial plant that is native to North America. It is often found in gardens and landscapes because of its colorful foliage and delicate flowers. Unfortunately, slaters or pill bugs are a common problem for Coral Bells. These small crustaceans can damage the plant by feeding on its leaves and stems. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of slaters on Coral Bells plant.

Identify the Problem

The first step in getting rid of slaters on Coral Bells is to identify the problem. Slaters are small, grayish-brown crustaceans that are about 1 cm in length. They are also known as pill bugs or wood lice. These pests feed on dead plant material and can cause damage to healthy plants if their numbers are high.

To determine if your Coral Bells plant has a slater problem, look for the following signs:

• Holes in the leaves
• Chewed or damaged stems
• Presence of slaters around the base of the plant

If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely that your Coral Bells plant has a slater problem.

Natural Remedies

There are several natural remedies that you can use to get rid of slaters on Coral Bells plant. Here are some options:

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that is made up of fossilized diatoms. It is an effective way to get rid of slaters on Coral Bells because it dehydrates their bodies, causing them to die. To use diatomaceous earth, sprinkle it around the base of the plant and on the leaves.

Citrus Peels

Citrus peels are a great natural remedy for getting rid of slaters on Coral Bells plant. The strong scent of citrus repels slaters and prevents them from feeding on the plant. To use citrus peels, place them around the base of the plant.

Beer Traps

Beer traps are a popular natural remedy for getting rid of slaters on Coral Bells. Slaters are attracted to the scent of beer and will crawl into the trap, where they will drown. To make a beer trap, fill a shallow container with beer and place it near the base of the plant.

Chemical Remedies

If natural remedies don’t work, you may need to use chemical remedies to get rid of slaters on Coral Bells plant. Here are some options:

Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to get rid of slaters on Coral Bells. It works by dehydrating the pests’ bodies, causing them to die. To use insecticidal soap, spray it directly onto the slaters and around the base of the plant.

Pyrethrin

Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It is an effective way to get rid of slaters on Coral Bells because it paralyzes their nervous system, causing them to die. To use pyrethrin, spray it directly onto the slaters and around the base of the plant.

Prevention

Preventing slaters from infesting your Coral Bells plant is the best way to avoid having to get rid of them. Here are some prevention tips:

• Keep the area around your Coral Bells plant free of dead leaves and debris
• Water your Coral Bells plant in the morning so that the soil has time to dry out during the day
• Use mulch around the base of your Coral Bells plant to discourage slaters from crawling onto it
• Avoid over-fertilizing your Coral Bells plant, as this can attract slaters

Conclusion

Slaters are a common problem for Coral Bells plant, but there are several natural and chemical remedies that you can use to get rid of them. By identifying the problem, using natural remedies, and preventing future infestations, you can keep your Coral Bells plant healthy and beautiful.

FAQ

Are slaters harmful to humans?

No, slaters are not harmful to humans. They do not bite or sting and are not known to carry any diseases.

Can I use insecticidal soap on other plants in my garden?

Yes, insecticidal soap is safe to use on most plants in your garden. However, it’s always a good idea to test it on a small area before using it on the entire plant.

How often should I water my Coral Bells plant?

Coral Bells plants prefer well-drained soil, so you should water them when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. In general, this will be once or twice a week.