How to Get Rid of Slaters on Perennial Plant

Perennial plants are a beautiful addition to any garden, providing year-round color and interest. However, they can also attract unwanted pests, such as slaters. Slaters, also known as woodlice or pill bugs, are small crustaceans that feed on decaying plant matter and can cause damage to the roots and stems of perennial plants. If you’re dealing with a slater infestation in your garden, here are some effective methods to get rid of them and protect your precious plants.

1. Identify the Problem

Before you can effectively treat a slater infestation, it’s important to correctly identify the problem. Slaters are typically gray or brown in color and have a segmented body with seven pairs of legs. They are commonly found hiding in damp areas of the garden, such as under rocks, mulch, or in the soil near the base of plants. Look for signs of damage to the leaves, stems, or roots of your perennial plants, as this could indicate a slater infestation.

2. Remove Attractive Hiding Places

Slaters are attracted to dark and moist environments, so removing their preferred hiding places can help deter them from your garden. Clear away any debris, such as fallen leaves or rotting wood, from around your perennial plants. Trim back overgrown foliage that may be providing shelter for slaters. Additionally, consider using gravel or pebbles as mulch instead of organic materials like wood chips or bark which can create a favorable environment for these pests.

3. Improve Drainage

Slaters thrive in moist soil conditions, so improving drainage in your garden can discourage their presence. Ensure that your perennial plants are planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If you have heavy clay soil that tends to retain water, consider amending it with organic matter or creating raised beds to improve drainage. By reducing the moisture levels in your garden, you can make it less hospitable to slaters.

4. Use Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators into your garden can help control the slater population. Certain birds, such as robins and blackbirds, feed on slaters, so attracting them to your garden can be beneficial. Provide bird feeders, nesting boxes, and water sources to encourage these birds to visit your garden. Additionally, some insect-eating animals, like hedgehogs or frogs, also prey on slaters. Creating a habitat that attracts these creatures can help keep the slater population in check.

5. Apply Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that can effectively control slaters without harming other beneficial insects or plants. It is made from the fossilized remains of marine organisms and has sharp edges that cut through the exoskeleton of slaters, causing dehydration and death. Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around the base of your perennial plants and in areas where slaters are commonly found. Reapply after rain or watering to maintain its effectiveness.

6. Use Copper Barriers

Slaters are repelled by copper, so creating barriers using copper tape or wire can help prevent them from reaching your perennial plants. Wrap copper tape around the base of plant pots or create a ring of copper wire around the stems of your plants to keep slaters at bay. Ensure that the barrier is complete and without any gaps for the slaters to crawl through.

7. Set Traps

Trapping slaters can be an effective way to control their population in your garden. Place damp newspaper or cardboard traps near the infested plants, as slaters are attracted to dark and moist environments. Check the traps regularly and dispose of any captured slaters away from your garden. This method may not eliminate the slaters entirely, but it can help reduce their numbers and minimize damage to your perennial plants.

8. Consider Chemical Control

If natural methods fail to provide satisfactory results, you may consider using chemical control options as a last resort. There are insecticides available specifically formulated to target slaters. However, exercise caution when using chemicals in your garden, as they can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife. Always read and follow the instructions on the product label carefully and consider consulting with a professional if you’re unsure about the appropriate use of insecticides.

Conclusion

Dealing with a slater infestation on your perennial plants can be frustrating, but by taking proactive measures and using effective control methods, you can protect your garden. Identify the problem, remove attractive hiding places, improve drainage, introduce natural predators, apply diatomaceous earth or copper barriers, set traps, and only resort to chemical control if necessary. With persistence and proper care, you can successfully get rid of slaters and keep your perennial plants healthy and thriving.