How to Get Rid of Snails on Hummingbird Plant

Snails can be a nuisance for gardeners, especially when they target delicate plants like the hummingbird plant. These slimy creatures can quickly devour leaves and flowers, leaving your hummingbird plant looking unsightly and unhealthy. However, there are several effective methods to get rid of snails and protect your beloved plant.

Understanding Snails and Their Behavior

Before we delve into the various methods to eliminate snails, it’s essential to understand their behavior. Snails are nocturnal creatures that thrive in moist environments. They are attracted to tender vegetation like the leaves and flowers of hummingbird plants. Snails use their rasping mouthparts to feed on plant tissues, often leaving behind a trail of mucus as they move.

Manual Removal

One of the most basic ways to control snails is through manual removal. This method involves physically picking off the snails from your hummingbird plant and disposing of them elsewhere. To do this effectively, it’s best to head out to your garden in the evening or early morning when snails are most active.

Carry a flashlight with you and inspect the leaves, stems, and flowers of your hummingbird plant carefully. Gently remove any snails you find and place them in a bucket or container filled with soapy water. The soap will drown the snails and prevent them from returning to your garden.

Creating Barriers

Another effective method to keep snails away from your hummingbird plant is by creating barriers. Snails have soft bodies that can be easily deterred by certain materials. You can surround your plant with barriers made of copper tape or sharp gravel.

Copper tape acts as a deterrent for snails due to its electrical charge when they come into contact with it. Apply a strip of copper tape around the base of your hummingbird plant or create a circle around it. The electrical charge will repel the snails and prevent them from climbing up to your plant.

Sharp gravel or crushed eggshells can also deter snails as they find it uncomfortable to crawl over these sharp surfaces. Create a layer of sharp gravel or crushed eggshells around your hummingbird plant to create an effective barrier.

Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators into your garden can help control the snail population. Some animals, like certain species of birds, frogs, and lizards, feed on snails. Attracting these creatures to your garden can create a natural balance and keep the snail population in check.

To attract birds, you can set up bird feeders or bird baths near your hummingbird plant. Birds will visit your garden to feed or drink water and may also feast on the snails they come across. Creating a habitat with rocks, logs, and plants can also attract frogs and lizards that prey on snails.

Beer Traps

Beer traps are a popular and effective method for getting rid of snails in the garden. Snails are attracted to the smell of beer and will crawl into the trap, eventually drowning in it. To create a beer trap, bury a shallow container like a saucer or jar partially in the ground near your hummingbird plant.

Fill the container with beer, making sure it’s deep enough for the snails to drown in. The snails will be attracted to the beer, crawl into the container, and meet their demise. Remember to empty and refill the trap regularly to maintain its effectiveness.

Organic Pesticides

If manual removal and other methods fail to control the snail population on your hummingbird plant, you may consider using organic pesticides as a last resort. Organic pesticides made from natural ingredients like iron phosphate are safe for plants, animals, and humans but deadly for snails.

Sprinkle the organic pesticide around your hummingbird plant following the manufacturer’s instructions. The snails will consume the pesticide and perish, reducing their population significantly. However, it’s essential to use organic pesticides sparingly and as a last resort, as they may also harm beneficial insects.

Garden Maintenance

Maintaining your garden properly can also help prevent snail infestations. Snails are attracted to overgrown vegetation, weeds, and debris. Regularly remove weeds and debris from your garden to eliminate hiding spots for snails.

Additionally, consider watering your hummingbird plant in the morning instead of the evening. This gives the plant enough time to dry out during the day, making it less favorable for snails who thrive in moist environments.

Conclusion

Snails can wreak havoc on your hummingbird plant, but with the right strategies, you can effectively control their population. Whether it’s through manual removal, creating barriers, attracting natural predators, setting up beer traps, or using organic pesticides, there are various methods available. Remember to maintain your garden properly to discourage snail infestations. By implementing these techniques, you can enjoy a healthy and vibrant hummingbird plant all season long.