How to Get Rid of Snails on Dwarf Snake Plant

If you have a dwarf snake plant, you may have noticed that snails love to feast on its leaves. Not only do they leave unsightly holes, but they can also cause damage to the plant. If left unchecked, snails can completely destroy your plant. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to get rid of snails on your dwarf snake plant.

Identify the Type of Snail

The first step in getting rid of snails is identifying which type of snail is causing the damage. This will help you determine the best method to use for getting rid of them. There are two common types of snails that feed on plants: the garden snail and the brown garden snail.

Garden snails are usually about 1 inch long and have a brown and yellow spiral shell. They are active at night and prefer damp environments. Brown garden snails are slightly larger, about 1.5 inches long, and have a brownish shell with darker stripes.

Manual Removal

The most straightforward way to get rid of snails on your dwarf snake plant is to remove them manually. This involves going outside at night with a flashlight and picking them off the leaves.

You can also create traps for the snails by placing saucers filled with beer or sugar water around your plant. The snails will be attracted to the sweet scent and will fall into the liquid and drown.

Use Natural Repellents

Several natural repellents can help keep snails away from your dwarf snake plant. These include:

• Copper tape: Snails are repelled by copper, so placing copper tape around the base of your plant can prevent them from crawling up.
• Diatomaceous earth: This is a powder made from fossilized algae that can be sprinkled around your plant. The powder will dehydrate the snail’s body, eventually killing it.
• Eggshells: Crushed eggshells can be scattered around the base of your plant. The sharp edges will deter snails from crawling over them.

Use Chemical Repellents

If natural repellents don’t work, you can try using chemical repellents. These include:

• Iron phosphate: This is a safe and effective pesticide that is toxic to snails but won’t harm other animals or plants. It comes in pellet form and can be scattered around your plant.
• Slug bait: This is a poison that contains metaldehyde, which is toxic to snails. However, it can also be harmful to other animals, so use with caution.

Prevention Tips

Preventing snails from infesting your dwarf snake plant is the best way to avoid having to deal with them in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing snail infestations:

• Keep your plant healthy: A healthy plant is less likely to attract snails.
• Water in the morning: Snails prefer damp environments, so watering in the morning will give the leaves a chance to dry out during the day.
• Keep the area around your plant clean: Remove any debris or fallen leaves that could provide a hiding place for snails.

FAQ

Are snails harmful to dwarf snake plants?

Yes, snails can cause damage to dwarf snake plants by eating holes in the leaves.

Can I use salt to get rid of snails?

No, while salt will kill snails, it can also damage your plant and soil.

How often should I check for snails on my plant?

It’s a good idea to check your plant for snails once a week, especially during periods of high humidity or rainfall.