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How to Get Rid of Snails on Fiddly Fig Plant

Updated: February 20, 2023

Fiddly fig plants are popular houseplants known for their large, attractive leaves that add a touch of greenery to any indoor space. However, these plants are also prone to snail infestations, which can damage the leaves and even kill the plant if left unchecked. In this article, we will look at some effective ways to get rid of snails on your fiddly fig plant.

Identify the Snails

Before you can effectively get rid of snails on your fiddly fig plant, it is important to identify the type of snails that are infesting your plant. There are several types of snails that can be found in homes, including garden snails, Roman snails, and milk snails. The most common type of snail that infests fiddly fig plants is the garden snail.

Natural Methods

There are several natural methods you can use to get rid of snails on your fiddly fig plant:

  • Handpicking: One of the easiest ways to get rid of snails is by handpicking them off your plant. This method is time-consuming but effective.

  • Beer trap: Dig a hole in the soil around your fiddly fig plant and fill it with beer. Snails will be attracted to the beer and will drown in it.

  • Copper tape: Place copper tape around the base of your fiddly fig plant. Snails do not like copper and will avoid crossing it.

Chemical Methods

If natural methods do not work, you can use chemical methods to get rid of snails on your fiddly fig plant:

  • Slug and snail pellets: These contain chemicals that kill snails when they ingest them. However, they can be harmful to pets and other wildlife.

  • Copper sulfate: This chemical is toxic to snails and can be effective in getting rid of them. However, it can also be harmful to other wildlife and should be used with caution.

Prevention

The best way to get rid of snails on your fiddly fig plant is to prevent them from infesting it in the first place:

  • Keep your plant clean: Remove any dead leaves or debris around your fiddly fig plant, as this can attract snails.

  • Water your plant in the morning: Snails are most active at night, so watering your plant in the morning will help to keep them away.

  • Use a snail repellent: There are several snail repellents available on the market that can help to keep snails away from your fiddly fig plant.

FAQ

Are snails harmful to fiddly fig plants?

Yes, snails can damage the leaves of your fiddly fig plant and even kill it if left unchecked.

Can I use chemical methods to get rid of snails on my fiddly fig plant?

Yes, there are several chemical methods you can use to get rid of snails on your fiddly fig plant. However, these should be used with caution as they can be harmful to pets and other wildlife.

How can I prevent snails from infesting my fiddly fig plant?

You can prevent snails from infesting your fiddly fig plant by keeping it clean, watering it in the morning, and using a snail repellent.