How to Get Rid of Slaters on Sundrop Plant

If you have a sundrop plant in your garden, you may have encountered slaters, also known as woodlice or pill bugs. These small crustaceans are commonly found in moist environments and feed on decaying organic matter. While they are generally harmless, they can become a nuisance if they start to infest your sundrop plant. In this article, we will discuss effective methods to get rid of slaters and protect your sundrop plant.

Understanding Slaters

Before we dive into the methods of getting rid of slaters, it is important to understand their behavior and habits. Slaters are usually gray or brown in color and have a segmented body with fourteen legs. They thrive in damp areas where they can find plenty of decaying plant material to feed on. Sundrop plants provide an ideal environment for slaters due to their preference for moist soil.

Slaters are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active during the night. They tend to hide during the day under rocks, logs, or other debris in your garden. When disturbed, they roll up into a tight ball as a defense mechanism.

Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with slaters is to prevent their infestation in the first place. By implementing some preventive measures, you can create an environment that is less attractive to slaters and reduce the chances of them infesting your sundrop plant.

1. Remove debris: Clean up any garden debris such as fallen leaves, rotting wood, or decaying plant material. These serve as food sources for slaters and attract them to your garden.

2. Improve drainage: Ensure that the soil around your sundrop plant has proper drainage. Slaters prefer moist environments, so by improving drainage, you can make the soil less favorable for them.

3. Watering technique: Avoid overwatering your sundrop plant. Slaters are attracted to moist soil, so by reducing the amount of water you give to your plant, you can discourage their presence.

4. Natural predators: Encourage natural predators of slaters, such as birds or ground beetles, to inhabit your garden. These predators feed on slaters and help control their population.

Natural Remedies

If you already have a slater infestation on your sundrop plant, there are several natural remedies you can try to eliminate them without resorting to chemical pesticides.

1. Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of your sundrop plant. This substance is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms and has sharp edges that can penetrate the exoskeletons of slaters, causing them to dehydrate and die.

2. Citrus peels: Place citrus peels around your sundrop plant. Slaters are repelled by the strong scent of citrus fruits and will avoid areas where the peels are present.

3. Coffee grounds: Spread used coffee grounds around the base of your sundrop plant. Slaters dislike the acidity of coffee grounds and will stay away from areas treated with them.

4. Copper strips: Attach copper strips to the pots or containers where your sundrop plant is located. Slaters are repelled by copper and will avoid crawling over it.

Mechanical Control

If natural remedies do not provide satisfactory results, you can resort to mechanical methods to get rid of slaters.

1. Handpicking: Check your sundrop plant regularly for slaters and manually remove them by hand. Wear gloves if you find the task unpleasant. Place the collected slaters in a bucket of soapy water to ensure they do not return.

2. Trapping: Set up traps in your garden to lure and catch slaters. You can use damp newspaper or cardboard rolls to attract them. Check the traps daily and dispose of the captured slaters.

Conclusion

Slaters can be a nuisance when they infest your sundrop plant, but with the right methods, you can effectively get rid of them and protect your plant. Remember to implement preventive measures to create an environment that is less favorable for slaters, and try natural remedies before resorting to mechanical control. By following these steps, you can enjoy a healthy sundrop plant without the presence of slaters.