In my yard, the snails and slugs are just waiting to mow down my seedlings and flowers – especially lupine and delphinium. It can be devastating to put so much work into your garden and overnight they can completely clear out an area and leave you with stubs.
My yard is really loaded with a couple different types of snails, plus slugs. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get rid of them (they hitchhike into my yard in nursery plants) but I’m getting better at keeping them from destroying my plants.
Snails can be a nuisance for any gardener when they start munching on prized plants like balsam impatiens. These slimy pests can quickly take over and damage balsam plants if not dealt with promptly. However there are several effective and eco-friendly methods to get rid of snails and protect balsam plants without using harsh chemicals. In this article we will discuss some easy strategies to help deter snails and keep balsam plants healthy.
Understanding Why Snails Are Attracted to Balsam Plants
Before looking at solutions to remove snails from balsam plants, it’s important to understand what draws them to balsam plants in the first place. Snails flock to balsam plants for a few key reasons:
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Moisture: Snails thrive in damp conditions, and balsam plants provide an ideal moist habitat.
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Food source: Balsam plants offer a tasty food source for snails who feed on the leaves and tender stems.
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Shelter: The dense foliage of balsam plants provides cover for snails to hide under during the day.
By understanding what attracts snails to balsam plants, we can better deter them. Let’s look at some simple, natural methods to keep snails away.
1. Remove Hiding Places and Debris
Start by eliminating any debris, weeds, or overgrown foliage around balsam plants that snails could use for shelter. Keep the area around balsam plants clean and tidy. Removing hiding spots forces snails out into the open where they are more vulnerable.
2. Use Physical Barriers
Create a physical barrier to block snails from reaching balsam plants. Materials like copper tape, crushed eggshells, or diatomaceous earth can be placed around the base of plants to hinder snails. The sharp, abrasive texture deters snails from crossing.
3. Hand Pick Snails
Go out at night with a flashlight and hand pick any snails you see on plants Dropping them into a bucket of soapy water will kill them Be diligent about hand picking to remove snails as soon as they appear before they multiply,
4. Encourage Natural Predators
Attract natural predators like frogs, birds, and ground beetles to your garden. These animals feed on snails and will help reduce the population. Provide habitat like a small pond to invite predators.
5. Use Beer Traps
Bury shallow containers of beer near plants with the rim at ground level. The yeasty smell lures snails in where they drown. Constantly replace the beer to keep the traps effective.
6. Apply Coffee Grounds
Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the garden bed. Snails dislike crawling over the dry, gritty texture of coffee grounds. Reapply after watering or rain to maintain the barrier.
7. Keep Plants Well-Watered
Snails favor dry conditions. Keep balsam plants consistently watered to make the habitat less hospitable for snails. Water in the morning so plants dry out by nighttime when snails are active.
8. Add Sand or Gravel Borders
Pour a 3-4 inch wide band of sharp sand or gravel around garden beds. The coarse sand deters snails from slithering over to reach plants.
9. Use Organic Snail Baits
Scatter snail bait containing iron phosphate around affected plants. Iron phosphate baits are non-toxic to pets and wildlife when used properly. Always follow label directions.
10. Apply Sluggo
Sluggo is an organic OMRI listed snail and slug bait made from iron phosphate. Sprinkle it around plants for effective control. Reapply monthly for ongoing protection.
11. Practice Crop Rotation
Rotate balsam plants to different spots each year. Moving plants periodically disrupts the reproduction cycle of snails and limits reinfestation.
12. Remove Snail Egg Clutches
Inspect plants closely and crush any snail egg clutches found on leaves or stems. Removing eggs eliminates future generations of snails from hatching in your garden.
13. Grow Snail Resistant Plants
Choose snail resistant plants like lavender, dianthus, and salvia nearby balsam plants. Snails will feed on these unfavorable plants before damaging susceptible balsam plants.
14. Maintain Healthy Garden Conditions
Keep plants healthy with proper care and nutrients. Healthy balsam plants can withstand and recover from more snail damage than stressed plants.
15. Mulch Beds
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch like wood chips around plants. The mulch layer blocks snails from reaching soil and plants. Be sure to leave space between mulch and plant stems.
Be Patient and Consistent
Preventing and removing snails takes persistence. Employ a combination of remedies and reapply deterrents regularly for the best snail control. With some diligence, you can protect balsam plants from snail invasions. Happy gardening!
Snail & Slug Battle Tips
Keep areas clear of hiding spots. Clean up any areas that stay moist and cool (yes, I know that isn’t always easy!).
Whenever possible, only water in the morning so snails/slugs can’t enjoy your moist garden at night to get around.
Use a flashlight in the evening to pick them up. If you or your neighbors have chickens, they will be much appreciated!
How to Get Rid of SLUGS & SNAILS
FAQ
What kills snails but not plants?
How to remove snails from potted plants?
How to control garden snails in your garden?
Copper wire, Vaseline, even just mesh curved outwards will help repel garden snails from your plants. Now that you know more about how to control garden snails in your garden with these effective snail repellents and organic snail control, you can make sure that those slimy little buggers never bother your plants again.
How do you stop molluscum from spreading?
If you have lumps around your genitals, avoid sexual contact until the infection is cleared 100%. Cover the bumps when around other people. This prevents direct contact. When swimming, cover the wounds with a clean watertight bandage to avoid contaminating the water for other people.
How to get rid of snails & slugs in your garden?
Head to your kitchen and gather your various Epsom salts then bring them out to the garden. Even regular cooking and tasting salt would work in this instance as well. It works to make snails and slugs disappear. This salt is known to be good for the soil, but in a way, it can also be harmful to the soil as well.
How do you get rid of snails naturally?
A natural pest control that is often overlooked is growing repellent plants, also known as compassion planting. ‘You can use herbs that snails don’t like and plant them around the plants you want to protect to create a natural fence,’ suggests Petar.