How to Get Rid of Snails on Coral Bells Plant

Coral bells or Heuchera is a popular garden plant that adds a pop of color to any garden with its beautiful foliage. However, it is susceptible to snail infestations, which can cause significant damage to the plant. Snails feed on the leaves, leaving behind unsightly holes and damage. In this article, we will discuss effective ways to get rid of snails on coral bells plants.

Identify Snail Infestation

The first step in getting rid of snails on your coral bells plant is to identify the infestation. The most obvious sign of snail damage is irregular holes in the leaves. You may also notice a slime trail left behind by the snails. Check the plant during the evening or early morning when snails are most active.

Natural Methods to Get Rid of Snails

1. Handpicking: This method involves manually picking off snails from your plants and disposing of them. It’s a simple and effective way to remove snails from your coral bells plant.

2. Copper tape: Copper tape around the base of your coral bells plant can help deter snails as they don’t like touching copper.

3. Beer trap: Place a shallow dish of beer near your coral bells plant, and the snails will be attracted to it and drown in it.

4. Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of your coral bells plant. It is abrasive and can kill snails by dehydrating them.

5. Eggshells: Crush eggshells and sprinkle them around your plants. The sharp edges act as a barrier and can deter snails from crawling up the plants.

Chemical Methods to Get Rid of Snails

If natural methods are not effective, you can resort to chemical methods to get rid of snails.

1. Iron phosphate baits: Iron phosphate baits are a safe and effective way to control snails. They are non-toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife.

2. Slug and snail pellets: Slug and snail pellets contain chemicals that are harmful to snails. However, they can also be harmful to pets and wildlife, so use them with caution.

Preventing Snail Infestation

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are several ways you can prevent snail infestation on your coral bells plant.

1. Keep the area around your coral bells plant clean and tidy. Snails love damp and dark places, so remove any piles of leaves or debris.

2. Water your plants in the morning instead of the evening. This will give the leaves enough time to dry out during the day, making them less attractive to snails.

3. Use a barrier around your plants. You can use copper tape or eggshells to create a barrier that snails won’t cross.

4. Plant snail-resistant plants around your coral bells plant. Plants like lavender, rosemary, and sage are known to repel snails.

FAQ

What are the signs of snail damage on coral bells plants?

The most obvious sign of snail damage is irregular holes in the leaves. You may also notice a slime trail left behind by the snails.

Can I use chemicals to get rid of snails on my coral bells plant?

Yes, you can use chemicals like iron phosphate bait or slug and snail pellets to get rid of snails. However, use them with caution as they can be harmful to pets and wildlife.

How can I prevent snail infestation on my coral bells plant?

To prevent snail infestation, keep the area around your coral bells plant clean and tidy, water your plants in the morning, use a barrier around your plants, and plant snail-resistant plants around your coral bells plant.