How to Get Rid of Slaters on Scaevola Plant

Slaters, also known as woodlice or pill bugs, are small crustaceans that are commonly found in gardens and indoor plants. While they may seem harmless, slaters can cause damage to your scaevola plants if their population gets out of control. In this article, we will discuss effective methods to get rid of slaters and protect your scaevola plants.

Identifying Slaters

Before we delve into the methods of eradication, it is essential to identify slaters correctly. Slaters are small, grayish-brown creatures with segmented bodies and multiple pairs of legs. They have a hard exoskeleton and can roll up into a ball when disturbed, which is why they are commonly known as pill bugs.

Understanding the Damage Caused by Slaters

Slaters primarily feed on decaying plant matter, but they can also damage living plants by nibbling on tender leaves, stems, and roots. While they might not cause severe damage in small numbers, a large population of slaters can weaken your scaevola plants and make them more susceptible to diseases and other pests.

Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with slaters is to prevent their population from increasing in the first place. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

Maintain Proper Garden Hygiene: Remove dead leaves, mulch, and other decaying plant matter regularly. This will eliminate the food source for slaters and reduce their attraction to your garden.
Improve Drainage: Excessive moisture can create an ideal environment for slaters. Ensure that your scaevola plants are not overwatered and that the soil has proper drainage.
Create Barriers: Use physical barriers like copper tape or diatomaceous earth around your scaevola plants. These substances act as a deterrent for slaters, preventing them from reaching your plants.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Slaters are attracted to nitrogen-rich soil, so avoid over-fertilizing your scaevola plants. Use balanced fertilizers and follow the recommended dosage.

Natural Remedies

If you already have a slater infestation on your scaevola plants, there are several natural remedies you can try to eliminate them:

Handpicking: While it may be time-consuming, handpicking slaters and disposing of them can be an effective method for small-scale infestations. Be sure to wear gloves and place the collected slaters in a sealed bag or container.
Beer Traps: Place shallow dishes filled with beer near your scaevola plants. Slaters are attracted to the smell of beer and will crawl into the dish, eventually drowning. Empty and refill the traps regularly.
Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around your scaevola plants. The sharp particles will pierce the slaters’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. Reapply after rain or watering.
Citrus Peels: Place citrus peels near your scaevola plants. Slaters dislike the smell of citrus, and the peels can act as a natural repellent.
Nematodes: Beneficial nematodes can be used to control slaters in your garden. These microscopic worms prey on slaters and other pests, effectively reducing their population.

Chemical Control

If natural remedies fail to address the slater infestation, chemical control may be necessary as a last resort. However, it is important to use these methods with caution and follow the instructions provided:

Insecticidal Soap: Spray your scaevola plants with an insecticidal soap solution, targeting the slaters directly. This soap disrupts their cell membranes and causes dehydration, leading to their demise.
Pesticides: Choose a pesticide specifically labeled for controlling slaters. Read and follow the instructions carefully, ensuring the product is safe to use on scaevola plants.

Conclusion

Slaters can be a nuisance in your garden, especially if they start damaging your scaevola plants. By implementing preventive measures and using natural remedies, you can effectively control the slater population without resorting to harsh chemicals. Remember to maintain proper garden hygiene, create barriers, and avoid over-fertilizing. If necessary, try natural remedies like handpicking, beer traps, diatomaceous earth, citrus peels, or nematodes. Chemical control should only be considered as a last resort and should be used with caution. With these strategies in place, you can keep your scaevola plants healthy and free from slaters.