How to Get Rid of Slaters on Polly Plant

If you have a Polly plant in your garden, you may have noticed small, grayish-brown bugs called slaters crawling around. Slaters, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are not harmful to humans but can be a nuisance when they infest your plants. They feed on decaying organic matter, including dead leaves and plant debris, but can also damage the roots and leaves of your Polly plant. In this article, we will discuss effective methods to get rid of slaters and protect your Polly plant.

Understanding Slaters

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand the behavior and habits of slaters. Slaters are small crustaceans that thrive in damp environments. They prefer cool and moist areas, making your Polly plant an ideal habitat for them. Slaters have a segmented body with seven pairs of legs and can roll up into a ball when disturbed.

Slaters are nocturnal creatures and feed on decaying organic matter. They are scavengers, which means they help break down dead plant material and return nutrients to the soil. However, when their population increases, they can become destructive and start feeding on living plants.

Prevention is Key

The best way to control slaters is by preventing their infestation in the first place. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

1. Maintain proper drainage: Slaters thrive in moist environments, so ensure that your Polly plant has good drainage to prevent water from accumulating around its roots.

2. Remove debris: Regularly clean up any fallen leaves or dead plant material around your Polly plant. This will eliminate their food source and discourage slaters from infesting your plant.

3. Mulch wisely: If you use mulch around your Polly plant, make sure it’s not too thick or compacted. Slaters love to hide in dense mulch, so keep it light and airy.

4. Monitor watering: Avoid overwatering your Polly plant, as this can create a damp environment that attracts slaters. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Natural Remedies

If you already have slaters on your Polly plant, don’t worry! There are several natural remedies you can try to get rid of them:

1. Handpick and relocate: If the infestation is small, you can manually pick up the slaters and relocate them away from your Polly plant. Wear gloves and place them in a container with a lid before releasing them elsewhere.

2. Create a barrier: Surround your Polly plant with diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells. These substances have sharp edges that will deter slaters from crawling onto your plants.

3. Use coffee grounds: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of your Polly plant. Slaters dislike the strong scent of coffee and will avoid crawling over it.

4. Apply garlic spray: Create a homemade garlic spray by blending garlic cloves with water and straining the mixture. Spray this solution onto your Polly plant, focusing on the areas where slaters are most active. The strong odor of garlic will repel them.

5. Introduce natural predators: Some beneficial insects like ground beetles and centipedes feed on slaters. You can attract these predators to your garden by providing suitable habitats such as rocks or logs.

Chemical Solutions

If natural remedies fail to control the slater population on your Polly plant, you may consider using chemical solutions as a last resort. However, it’s important to use these products carefully and follow the instructions provided:

1. Insecticidal soap: Spray an insecticidal soap directly onto the affected areas of your Polly plant. This soap suffocates slaters and other soft-bodied insects, effectively controlling their population.

2. Pesticides: There are pesticides available specifically formulated to target slaters. Before using any pesticide, read the label carefully and make sure it is safe to use on your Polly plant. Follow the application instructions and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and the environment.

Conclusion

Slaters can be a nuisance when they infest your Polly plant, but with proper prevention and control measures, you can effectively eliminate them. Remember to maintain good drainage, remove debris, and monitor watering to prevent slater infestations. If natural remedies fail, chemical solutions can be used as a last resort. By following these guidelines, you can protect your Polly plant from slaters and ensure its healthy growth.