How to Get Rid of Snails on Monkey Plant

Snails can be a nuisance when they invade your garden, especially when they target your beloved monkey plants. Monkey plants, also known as monkey puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana), are unique and ancient evergreen trees native to Chile and Argentina. Their distinctive appearance and intriguing history make them highly sought after by gardeners. However, snails can quickly damage these plants if left unchecked. In this article, we will explore effective methods to get rid of snails on monkey plants and protect your garden.

Understanding the Threat of Snails

Before we delve into the solutions, it is important to understand why snails pose a threat to monkey plants. Snails are gastropods that feed on various types of vegetation, including the foliage and stems of plants. They have a particular affinity for tender leaves, which makes monkey plants an inviting target due to their unique leaf structure.

When snails feed on monkey plants, they leave behind unsightly holes and chewed edges, compromising the plant’s overall health and aesthetics. Additionally, snails can carry harmful bacteria and parasites that may infect the plant, further weakening its resilience.

Natural Methods for Snail Control

1. Handpicking: One of the simplest and most effective methods of snail control is handpicking. Go out to your garden during the early morning or evening when snails are most active. Use gloves and carefully remove any snails you find on your monkey plants. Remember to dispose of them far away from your garden to prevent their return.

2. Beer traps: Snails are attracted to the smell of beer. Bury a small container, such as a yogurt cup, in the ground near your monkey plants. Fill it with beer up to a few inches below the rim. The snails will be lured by the scent and drown in the beer. Check the traps regularly and empty them as needed.

3. Copper barriers: Snails dislike crossing copper surfaces due to a reaction between their slime and the metal. Surround your monkey plants with copper tape or create copper barriers to deter snails from reaching them. Ensure that the copper barrier is at least four inches wide and tall enough to prevent snails from climbing over it.

4. Eggshell mulch: Crushed eggshells act as a natural deterrent for snails. Spread a layer of crushed eggshells around the base of your monkey plants to create a barrier. The sharp edges of the shells will discourage snails from crawling over them.

Organic Snail Repellents

If natural methods are not providing sufficient control, there are organic repellents available that can help safeguard your monkey plants against snail infestations. These repellents are safe for both the plant and the environment.

1. Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around your monkey plants. When snails come into contact with the powder, it dehydrates their bodies, effectively repelling them.

2. Iron phosphate bait: Iron phosphate-based baits are effective in controlling snail populations without harming other beneficial insects or animals. Scatter the bait granules around your monkey plants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As snails consume the bait, they will stop feeding and eventually die.

Cultural Practices to Discourage Snails

Apart from using specific methods to eliminate snails, adopting certain cultural practices can help discourage snail activity and prevent infestations in the future:

1. Maintain good garden hygiene: Snails thrive in moist environments with plenty of hiding spots. Regularly remove fallen leaves, debris, and weeds from your garden beds to eliminate potential hiding places for snails.

2. Provide good air circulation: Snails prefer damp, humid conditions. Ensure that your monkey plants are not overcrowded, allowing for adequate air circulation. This will help keep the foliage dry and less attractive to snails.

3. Water in the morning: Watering your garden in the morning allows the plants to dry out during the day, reducing moisture levels that snails find appealing. Avoid watering in the evening, as this can create a damp environment overnight.

4. Encourage natural predators: Introduce natural predators of snails, such as birds, frogs, or predatory insects like ladybugs, into your garden. Creating a diverse and balanced ecosystem can help control snail populations naturally.

By combining these strategies and regularly monitoring your monkey plants for snail activity, you can effectively protect your garden from these pesky invaders. Remember to be persistent and proactive in your approach, as consistent efforts will yield the best results. With a little patience and diligence, you can enjoy healthy and thriving monkey plants free from snail damage.