How to Get Rid of Slaters on Geranium Plant

Geraniums are beautiful and popular plants that are easy to care for. However, they can sometimes become infested with slaters, also known as woodlice or pillbugs. Slaters are small gray or brown creatures that feed on decaying plant matter and can damage your geranium plant. This article will provide you with some tips on how to get rid of slaters on your geranium plant.

What are Slaters?

Slaters are small crustaceans that are commonly found in gardens and on plants. They have a hard exoskeleton and are often mistaken for insects, but they are actually more closely related to shrimp and lobsters. Slaters feed on decaying plant matter and help to break it down, but they can also be a pest if they start eating healthy plants.

Signs of Slaters Infestation

The signs of a slater infestation may include:

• Damage to the leaves of your geranium plant
• Holes in the leaves
• Drooping leaves
• Presence of small gray or brown creatures crawling on the soil or leaves of your geranium plant

How to Get Rid of Slaters

There are several ways to get rid of slaters on your geranium plant. Here are some methods you can try:

1. Clean up the area around your geranium plant

Slaters thrive in damp, dark places, so cleaning up the area around your geranium plant can help to discourage them from settling in. Remove any dead leaves or other decaying plant matter from around the base of the plant, and make sure the soil is not too wet.

2. Use diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It is an effective natural insecticide that can be used to kill slaters. Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around the base of your geranium plant, and on the leaves if necessary. The powder will stick to the slaters’ exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die.

3. Use a slug and snail bait

Slaters are attracted to the same types of baits as slugs and snails, so using a slug and snail bait can also help to get rid of them. Sprinkle the bait around the base of your geranium plant, but be careful not to get it on the leaves or flowers.

4. Use citrus peels

Slaters are repelled by the scent of citrus, so placing citrus peels around your geranium plant can help to keep them away. Place the peels directly on the soil or on top of the mulch.

5. Use a commercial insecticide

If all else fails, you can use a commercial insecticide that is labeled for use on slaters. Follow the instructions carefully and apply it only as directed.

FAQ

Are slaters harmful to my geranium plant?

Slaters are not harmful to healthy plants, but they can damage plants that are already weakened or stressed.

Can I use essential oils to repel slaters?

Yes, essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus can be used to repel slaters. Mix a few drops with water and spray it around your geranium plant.

Can I use coffee grounds to repel slaters?

Yes, coffee grounds can be used to repel slaters. Sprinkle them around the base of your geranium plant, but be careful not to get them on the leaves or flowers.

How can I prevent slaters from coming back?

To prevent slaters from coming back, make sure the area around your geranium plant is clean and dry. Remove any dead leaves or other decaying plant matter, and avoid overwatering your plant.