How to Get Rid of Slaters on Sweet Potato Plant

Slaters, also known as woodlice or pill bugs, are common pests that can infiltrate your sweet potato plants and cause damage. These small, crustacean-like insects primarily feed on decaying organic matter but can also munch on the tender leaves and stems of your sweet potato plants. If left unchecked, an infestation of slaters can stunt the growth of your plants and affect your harvest. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to get rid of slaters and protect your sweet potato plants.

1. Identify the Problem

Before you start treating your sweet potato plants for slaters, it’s essential to accurately identify the pest. Slaters are small, grayish-brown insects with segmented bodies and fourteen legs. Unlike other pests like aphids or caterpillars, slaters do not have wings or a distinct head. They are often found in dark, damp areas such as under rocks, logs, or plant debris.

2. Remove Attractants

One way to deter slaters from infesting your sweet potato plants is by removing their preferred hiding spots. Clear away any piles of leaves, logs, or rocks near your plants as these provide ideal habitats for slaters. Additionally, keep the area around your sweet potato beds free from excessive moisture and decaying organic matter. By eliminating these attractants, you make your garden less appealing to slaters.

3. Create Physical Barriers

Physical barriers can be an effective method to protect your sweet potato plants from slaters. Consider placing a layer of copper tape around the base of each plant or creating a circular barrier using diatomaceous earth (DE). Copper tape releases a small electrical charge when slaters come into contact with it, deterring them from crossing the barrier. DE is a fine powder made from fossilized remains of diatoms that can penetrate the exoskeleton of slaters and cause dehydration.

4. Use Organic Insecticides

If the infestation of slaters is severe, you may need to resort to organic insecticides to control their population. One option is using a pyrethrin-based spray, which is derived from chrysanthemum flowers and is safe for use on edible plants. Pyrethrin acts as a contact poison, paralyzing and killing slaters upon contact. Another organic option is neem oil, which disrupts the reproductive capabilities of slaters and acts as a deterrent. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label when applying any insecticide to your sweet potato plants.

5. Introduce Natural Predators

Nature provides its own pest control system, and by introducing natural predators of slaters into your garden, you can help keep their population in check. Ground beetles, centipedes, and spiders are all known to feed on slaters and can be encouraged to inhabit your garden by providing suitable habitats such as piles of logs or rocks. Additionally, birds such as chickens or ducks can be effective in reducing the number of slaters in your garden.

6. Handpick and Trap

For small-scale infestations or if you prefer a hands-on approach, handpicking and trapping slaters can be an effective method. Simply inspect your sweet potato plants regularly and remove any slaters you find by hand. You can also create DIY traps using items like overturned flower pots filled with moistened newspaper or cardboard. Place these traps near your plants at night, and in the morning, you’ll find slaters seeking shelter inside them.

7. Maintain Proper Garden Practices

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to pest control. By maintaining proper garden practices, you can minimize the chances of a slater infestation on your sweet potato plants. Ensure your plants are adequately spaced to allow for proper airflow and reduce humidity levels. Water your plants at the base to avoid creating excessive moisture on the leaves and stems, which can attract slaters. Regularly remove any dead or decaying plant matter from around your sweet potato beds to eliminate potential hiding spots.

Conclusion

Slaters can be a nuisance when they invade your sweet potato plants, but with the right strategies, you can effectively get rid of them and protect your harvest. From removing attractants and creating physical barriers to using organic insecticides and introducing natural predators, there are multiple options available to control slater populations. By implementing these methods and maintaining proper garden practices, you can ensure healthy sweet potato plants free from the damage caused by slaters.