How to Get Rid of Slaters on Purple Verbena Plant

Introduction

Purple verbena plants (Verbena bonariensis) are beautiful flowering perennials that add a pop of color to any garden or landscape. However, these plants can sometimes attract unwanted pests, such as slaters. Slaters, also known as woodlice or pill bugs, are small crustaceans that feed on decaying organic matter and can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the purple verbena plant if left unchecked. In this article, we will discuss effective methods to get rid of slaters and protect your purple verbena plant.

Identifying Slaters

Before diving into the methods of getting rid of slaters, it is important to be able to identify them correctly. Slaters are small, grayish-brown creatures that resemble tiny armadillos. They have segmented bodies and can roll up into a ball when threatened. Unlike other pests, slaters are not insects but belong to the crustacean family.

Prevention is Key

As with any pest problem, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some preventive measures you can take to keep slaters away from your purple verbena plants:

Maintain good garden hygiene: Remove dead leaves and decaying organic matter regularly from the area surrounding your purple verbena plants. Slaters are attracted to moist environments, so keeping the area clean and dry will discourage them from taking up residence.
Improve drainage: Ensure that your purple verbena plants are in well-drained soil. Excess moisture can create an ideal habitat for slaters.
Avoid over-watering: Slaters thrive in damp conditions, so it is important not to over-water your purple verbena plants. Water them only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Create barriers: Place a layer of coarse gravel or crushed eggshells around the base of your purple verbena plants. Slaters find it difficult to crawl over rough surfaces, so this can act as a deterrent.

Natural Remedies

If you already have a slater infestation on your purple verbena plant, there are several natural remedies you can try to get rid of them:

Handpicking: Wear gloves and manually remove slaters from the plant. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. This method is best suited for small infestations.
Beer traps: Bury a small container, such as a yogurt cup, in the ground near the affected purple verbena plant. Fill it halfway with beer, which will attract the slaters. They will crawl into the container and drown. Empty and refill the traps regularly.
Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of the purple verbena plant. The sharp particles will cut through the exoskeletons of the slaters, causing them to dehydrate and die. Be sure to reapply after rain or watering.
Citrus peels: Scatter citrus peels, such as orange or lemon peels, around the base of the purple verbena plant. Slaters find the scent unpleasant and will avoid it.
Nematodes: Nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on slaters and other pests. You can introduce nematodes into your garden soil to naturally control slater populations.

Chemical Control

If natural remedies fail to eliminate the slater infestation, you may consider using chemical control methods as a last resort. However, it is important to exercise caution when using pesticides, as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Here are some considerations:

Selective pesticides: Look for pesticides that specifically target slaters or crustaceans. Follow the instructions carefully and apply them only to the affected areas of the purple verbena plant.
Less toxic options: Opt for less toxic pesticides, such as those derived from botanical extracts or biopesticides. These are generally safer for the environment and pose less risk to beneficial insects.
Consult a professional: If you are unsure about using pesticides, it is best to consult with a professional pest control expert who can recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment for your specific situation.

Conclusion

Keeping your purple verbena plants free from slaters requires a combination of preventive measures, natural remedies, and, if necessary, chemical control methods. By maintaining good garden hygiene, improving drainage, and using natural deterrents, you can prevent slaters from infesting your purple verbena plants. If an infestation does occur, try natural remedies first before resorting to chemical pesticides. With patience and persistence, you can eliminate slaters and ensure the health and beauty of your purple verbena plants.