How to Get Rid of Slaters on Sweet Pea Plant

If you’re a gardener, you’ve probably encountered slaters at some point. These small, crustacean-like creatures are commonly found in gardens and can cause damage to plants if left unchecked. Sweet peas, with their delicate blossoms and fragrant scent, are particularly susceptible to slater damage. In this article, we will discuss how to identify slaters on sweet pea plants and provide effective methods for getting rid of them.

Identifying Slaters

Slaters, also known as woodlice or pill bugs, are small arthropods that belong to the crustacean family. They have a hard exoskeleton and segmented bodies. Slaters are typically gray or brown in color and measure around 1 cm in length. They have seven pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae.

Slaters are nocturnal creatures that prefer damp environments. They feed on decaying plant matter, but they can also cause damage to living plants by feeding on young shoots, leaves, and tender stems. Sweet pea plants are a favorite target for slaters due to their moist soil requirements and the presence of decaying organic matter.

Removing Slaters Manually

One of the simplest ways to get rid of slaters on sweet pea plants is by removing them manually. This method is especially effective if you only have a few slaters present.

To remove slaters manually:

Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Inspect your sweet pea plants during the day when the slaters are hiding.
Look for slaters under pots, rocks, or any other hiding places near your plants.
Carefully pick up the slaters and place them in a bucket or container.
Dispose of the slaters away from your garden to prevent them from returning.

Removing slaters manually should be done regularly to prevent their population from increasing and causing more damage to your sweet pea plants.

Creating a Slaters-Free Environment

To prevent slaters from infesting your sweet pea plants, it’s important to create an environment that is unfavorable for their survival. Here are some steps you can take:

Remove decaying organic matter: Slaters thrive in damp, decaying plant matter. Regularly clean up fallen leaves, dead flowers, and any other decaying organic material around your sweet pea plants. This will eliminate their food source and make the area less attractive to slaters.
Improve drainage: Slaters prefer moist environments. Ensure that your sweet pea plants are not sitting in waterlogged soil. Improve drainage by adding organic matter or perlite to the soil mix. This will help prevent excessive moisture, reducing the likelihood of slater infestations.
Provide proper air circulation: Slaters prefer dark and humid environments. Prune your sweet pea plants regularly to promote airflow and reduce humidity levels. This will make it less appealing for slaters to inhabit your plants.
Use organic mulch: If you use mulch around your sweet pea plants, opt for organic materials such as straw or wood chips. Avoid using mulches that retain too much moisture, as this can create an ideal habitat for slaters.

Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators into your garden can be an effective way to control slater populations without the use of chemicals. Several animals feed on slaters, including birds, frogs, toads, and certain beetles.

To attract natural predators:

Create a bird-friendly environment: Provide bird feeders, bird baths, and nest boxes in your garden to attract birds that feed on slaters. Also, consider planting shrubs or trees that provide shelter for birds.
Attract frogs and toads: These amphibians are excellent predators of slaters. Create a frog-friendly environment by incorporating a small pond or water feature in your garden. Provide hiding spots such as rocks or logs, and avoid using pesticides that can harm frogs and toads.
Encourage beneficial beetles: Some beetles, like ground beetles and rove beetles, feed on slaters. Plant a diverse range of flowers and herbs to attract these beneficial insects to your garden. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that can harm both pests and beneficial insects.

Organic Pest Control

If manual removal and creating a slaters-free environment are not sufficient, you can use organic pest control methods to manage slater populations on your sweet pea plants.

Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of your sweet pea plants. The microscopic sharp edges of diatomaceous earth will cut through the exoskeleton of slaters, causing them to dehydrate and die. Reapply after rain or watering.
Beer trap: Place shallow containers filled with beer in your garden near your sweet pea plants. Slaters are attracted to the fermented scent of beer and will crawl into the containers, where they will drown. Empty and refill the traps regularly.
Beneficial nematodes: These microscopic worms are effective at controlling slaters and other garden pests. Follow the instructions provided with the nematodes to apply them to the soil around your sweet pea plants.

Conclusion

Slaters can be a nuisance in the garden, especially when they target delicate plants like sweet peas. By identifying slaters, removing them manually, creating a slaters-free environment, attracting natural predators, and using organic pest control methods, you can effectively manage their populations and protect your sweet pea plants from damage. With these strategies in place, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant sweet pea blooms all season long.