How to Get Rid of Snails on Catnip Plant

If you are a cat lover, then you know the importance of having catnip in your garden. Not only do cats enjoy playing with it, but it also has some medicinal properties that can help soothe stomach upset and anxiety. However, growing catnip can be a challenge because snails and other pests love to feed on it. In this article, we will explore some effective ways to get rid of snails on your catnip plant.

Identify the Problem

The first step in getting rid of snails is to identify the problem. Check your catnip plant for signs of damage such as holes in the leaves, slime trails, or snail shells around the plant. Snails tend to feed at night, so it’s best to check the plant in the early morning when they are most active.

Natural Remedies

There are several natural remedies that you can use to get rid of snails on your catnip plant. Here are some of them:

Handpicking

One of the simplest ways to get rid of snails is by handpicking them off your catnip plant. This method is effective if you have a small garden or a few plants. Wear gloves and go out at night with a flashlight and pick off any snails you see.

Beer Trap

Snails are attracted to beer, so setting up a beer trap is an effective way to get rid of them. Dig a small hole near your catnip plant and bury a cup or bowl so that the rim is level with the soil. Fill it up with beer and leave it overnight. The snails will be attracted to the beer and will drown in it.

Eggshells

Crushed eggshells are an effective deterrent for snails because they don’t like crawling over sharp edges. Save your eggshells and crush them up into small pieces. Sprinkle them around your catnip plant to create a barrier that snails won’t cross.

Copper Tape

Copper tape is another effective deterrent for snails. Snails don’t like the sensation of copper on their bodies, so wrapping copper tape around your catnip plant can prevent them from crawling up the stem and feeding on the leaves.

Chemical Remedies

If natural remedies don’t work, you can use chemical remedies to get rid of snails on your catnip plant. Here are some of them:

Iron Phosphate

Iron phosphate is a natural compound that is safe for pets and humans but deadly to snails. It can be found in snail baits such as Sluggo and Escar-Go!. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

Metaldehyde

Metaldehyde is a chemical compound that is toxic to snails. It can be found in snail baits such as Deadline and Ortho Bug-Geta Plus. However, metaldehyde is toxic to pets and wildlife, so use it with caution.

Prevention

Prevention is the best way to avoid snail infestations on your catnip plant. Here are some tips:

• Water your catnip plant in the morning instead of at night to avoid creating a damp environment that snails love.
• Keep your garden clean and tidy to discourage snails from hiding under debris.
• Plant herbs and flowers that snails don’t like such as thyme, lavender, and rosemary.
• Use a physical barrier such as a copper ring or mesh netting around your catnip plants.

Conclusion

Snails can be a nuisance when it comes to growing catnip, but there are several effective ways to get rid of them. Natural remedies such as handpicking, beer traps, eggshells, and copper tape are safe for pets and humans. Chemical remedies such as iron phosphate and metaldehyde should be used with caution. Prevention is the best way to avoid snail infestations on your catnip plant.

FAQ

Can snails harm cats?

No, snails are not harmful to cats. However, they can damage your catnip plant.

How often should I check my catnip plant for snails?

Check your catnip plant in the early morning when snails are most active.

Can I use garlic to repel snails?

Yes, garlic is a natural repellent for snails. Crush some garlic cloves and sprinkle them around your catnip plant.