How to Get Rid of Snails on Impatience Plant

Introduction

Impatiens plants, also known as busy Lizzies, are popular choices for gardeners due to their vibrant colors and ability to thrive in shady areas. However, these beautiful flowers are also attractive to snails, which can quickly become a nuisance in your garden. Snails can eat away at the leaves and flowers of impatiens plants, causing significant damage. If you’re dealing with snails on your impatiens, don’t worry – there are several effective methods to get rid of them and protect your plants.

Understanding Snail Behavior

Before diving into the various control methods, it’s essential to understand the behavior of snails. Snails are most active during the evening and night when temperatures are cooler and humidity levels are higher. They seek shelter during the day to avoid drying out. Snails are attracted to moist environments, which is why impatiens plants can be particularly appealing to them.

Manual Removal

One of the simplest and most effective ways to control snails on impatiens plants is manual removal. This method involves physically picking off snails from the leaves and stems of your plants. It’s best to do this in the early morning or late evening when snails are more active.

To manually remove snails, wear gloves and gently pick them off one by one. Place the snails into a bucket filled with soapy water to ensure they won’t return. Regularly inspect your impatiens plants for any signs of snail activity and repeat this process as necessary.

Creating Barriers

Creating physical barriers around your impatiens plants can help deter snails from reaching them. There are several barrier options you can consider:

Copper: Snails dislike touching copper surfaces because it gives them a slight electric shock. You can place copper tape or wire around the base of your impatiens plants or create a copper ring around them to prevent snails from crawling up the stems.
Crushed Eggshells: Sprinkling crushed eggshells around your impatiens plants can act as a deterrent. Snails don’t like the sharp edges of the shells and will avoid crawling over them.
Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring substance made from fossilized diatoms. It has sharp edges that can puncture the soft bodies of snails, causing them to dehydrate and die. Spread a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around your impatiens plants, focusing on areas where snails are likely to crawl.

Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators into your garden can help control snail populations. Some common predators of snails include:

Ducks and Chickens: If you have a larger outdoor space, consider keeping ducks or chickens. These birds love to feast on snails and can significantly reduce their numbers.
Ground Beetles: Ground beetles are nocturnal insects that prey on snails and slugs. By creating a habitat conducive to ground beetles, such as providing shelter and organic matter, you can encourage them to take up residence in your garden.
Nematodes: Nematodes are microscopic worms that are harmless to plants but parasitic to snails. They enter the bodies of snails and release bacteria that kill them from the inside. Nematodes can be purchased from garden centers and applied to the soil around your impatiens plants according to the instructions provided.

Organic Snail Baits

If manual removal and natural predators aren’t providing sufficient control, you may consider using organic snail baits. These baits are formulated with iron phosphate, which is safe for humans, pets, and beneficial insects but deadly to snails.

Apply the bait granules around your impatiens plants, following the product’s instructions. The snails will consume the bait and perish shortly after. It’s important to use organic snail baits specifically designed for garden use, as other types of slug pellets can be harmful to pets and wildlife.

Maintenance Practices

In addition to the above methods, maintaining good garden practices can help prevent snail infestations. Here are some tips:

Remove debris: Snails often hide in damp, dark places during the day. Removing debris, such as fallen leaves and mulch, from your garden can eliminate potential hiding spots.
Water in the morning: Watering your impatiens plants in the morning allows the foliage to dry out during the day, making it less attractive to snails.
Prune regularly: Regularly pruning your impatiens plants can help improve air circulation and reduce moisture levels, making your plants less appealing to snails.

Conclusion

Snails can be a frustrating problem for impatiens plant owners, but with a combination of manual removal, barriers, natural predators, organic snail baits, and good maintenance practices, you can effectively control their population. Implementing these methods will not only protect your impatiens plants but also maintain the overall health and beauty of your garden.