How to Get Rid of Snails on Geranium Plant

Geraniums are beautiful and colorful plants that can add a touch of beauty to any garden or home. However, snails can be a nuisance to geraniums as they feed on the leaves and flowers. Snails can cause significant damage to your geraniums and can even kill them if not dealt with promptly.

In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to get rid of snails on geranium plants.

Identify the Snails

Before you can effectively get rid of snails on your geranium plant, you need to identify the type of snail you are dealing with. There are various types of snails, and each has different feeding habits and preferences.

The most common snail species that feed on geranium plants include brown garden snails, white garden snails, and milk snails. They all have similar features such as slimy bodies, tentacles, and conical shells.

Natural Methods

You can use natural methods to get rid of snails on your geranium plants without damaging the environment or harming other beneficial insects. Here are some natural methods:

Handpicking

Handpicking is one of the oldest and most effective ways of getting rid of snails from your geranium plant. You can use gloves to pick the snails manually from the plant and dispose of them far away from your garden.

Beer Trap

You can use beer traps to attract and drown snails. Simply bury a container filled with beer in the soil near your geranium plant. The yeast in the beer attracts the snails, causing them to fall into the container and drown.

Copper Tape

Copper tape is an effective method of deterring snails from climbing onto your geranium plant. Copper reacts with slime secreted by snails, creating a mild shock that repels them from climbing up.

Chemical Methods

If natural methods fail to get rid of snails on your geranium plants, you can use chemical methods. However, chemical methods should be used with care as they can harm beneficial insects and pollute the environment. Here are some chemical methods:

Iron Phosphate

Iron phosphate is a natural and safe product that can control snails on your geranium plants. The product is applied to the soil around the geranium plant, where it attracts snails and causes them to stop feeding and eventually die.

Metaldehyde

Metaldehyde is a common chemical used to control snails. It comes in the form of pellets or liquid bait that is applied to the soil around the geranium plant. However, metaldehyde can be harmful to pets and other wildlife, so it should be used with care.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to managing snails on your geranium plant. Here are some prevention measures you can take:

• Remove debris from your garden as snails prefer moist and dark environments.
• Water your geranium plant in the morning to allow the soil to dry out during the day.
• Use organic fertilizers that do not attract snails.
• Plant snail-resistant plants such as lavender, rosemary, and sage near your geranium plant.

Conclusion

Snails can cause significant damage to your geranium plant if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are various effective ways of getting rid of snails on your geranium plants naturally or chemically. Always remember to take preventive measures to avoid future infestations.

FAQ

What other plants do snails eat?

Snails feed on a wide range of plants, including lettuce, cabbage, beans, peas, and strawberries.

How do I know if my geraniums have snails?

You can tell if your geraniums have snails by examining the leaves and flowers for chewed areas or slime trails.

How often should I check my geraniums for snails?

You should check your geraniums for snails regularly, especially during the rainy season, as snails prefer moist environments.