How to Get Rid of Snails on Helichrysum Plant

Helichrysum, also known as the everlasting flower, is a beautiful plant that adds color and vibrancy to any garden or landscape. However, one of the challenges that gardeners often face when growing helichrysum is dealing with snails. These slimy pests can quickly destroy the leaves and flowers of your helichrysum plant if left unchecked. In this article, we will explore various methods to get rid of snails on helichrysum plants and protect your precious blooms.

Understanding Snail Behavior

Before we delve into the different methods of snail control, it is essential to understand their behavior. Snails are nocturnal creatures that thrive in damp and shady environments. They are attracted to helichrysum plants because of their tender leaves and flowers. Snails move by gliding on a layer of slime, which helps them stay moist and protected.

1. Manual Removal

One of the simplest and most straightforward methods to control snails on your helichrysum plant is by manually removing them. Since snails are most active at night, it is best to inspect your plants during the early morning or late evening hours. Look for snails on the leaves, stems, or even underneath pots or rocks near the plant.

To remove snails manually, simply pick them off one by one and dispose of them away from your garden. You can either relocate them to a distant area or dispose of them in a bucket filled with soapy water, which will effectively drown them. Be sure to wear gloves while handling snails to protect yourself from any potential diseases they may carry.

2. Creating Barriers

Another effective method to keep snails away from your helichrysum plants is by creating physical barriers. Since snails move slowly and cannot climb over rough surfaces, you can use various materials to deter them. Some popular options include:

• Copper tape: Snails dislike the electric charge that copper produces when they come into contact with it. By attaching copper tape around the base of your helichrysum plant or creating a ring around it, you can prevent snails from reaching your precious blooms.

• Crushed eggshells: The sharp edges of crushed eggshells create an uncomfortable surface for snails to crawl over. Spread a layer of crushed eggshells around your helichrysum plant to keep snails at bay.

• Diatomaceous earth: This powdery substance is made up of fossilized remains of diatoms and acts as a natural barrier against snails. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your plant, creating a protective ring that snails will avoid.

3. Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators into your garden is an effective and environmentally friendly way to control snail populations. Some animals that feed on snails include frogs, toads, birds (such as thrushes and blackbirds), and certain species of beetles and ground beetles.

To attract these natural predators, you can create a wildlife-friendly garden by providing food, water, and shelter. Bird feeders, birdbaths, and native plants will encourage birds to visit your garden and help control the snail population naturally.

4. Beer Traps

Beer traps are a popular method for controlling snails in gardens. Snails are attracted to the smell of beer and are known to drown in it when they crawl into the trap. To create a beer trap, bury a container (such as a shallow dish or saucer) in the ground near your helichrysum plant. Fill it with beer, making sure the rim is level with the soil surface. The snails will be lured by the scent and fall into the trap.

Remember to regularly empty and refill the beer traps to ensure their effectiveness. This method is not suitable for areas with a high slug population, as it can attract even more snails to your garden.

5. Organic Snail Baits

If manual removal and natural predators are not enough to control the snail population on your helichrysum plants, you can consider using organic snail baits. These baits are made from natural ingredients that are safe for the environment and non-toxic to pets and wildlife.

Organic snail baits typically contain iron phosphate, which is deadly to snails but harmless to other animals. Scatter the bait pellets around your helichrysum plant, following the instructions on the product label. Snails will consume the bait and eventually die, reducing the population over time.

Conclusion

Snails can be a nuisance when it comes to maintaining healthy helichrysum plants. However, with a combination of manual removal, creating barriers, attracting natural predators, using beer traps, and employing organic snail baits if necessary, you can effectively control their population and protect your cherished helichrysum blooms. Implementing these methods will allow you to enjoy a vibrant and pest-free garden all season long.