I’ve been meaning to write more on the blog about various worm bin critters. And what better time to finally start doing so than right after receiving my brand new digital camera! Whoohoo!
Before you get too excited with visions of 15 megapixel SLRs with macro lenses and specialized flashes…I should tell you that I’ve opted for yet another handy dandy ‘point-and-shoot’ badboy. It is a Canon Powershot SD880 10 megapixel – nestles in the palm of your hand cutie pie – digital camera. Sorry – got a little carried away there.
All joking aside, I absolutely love ultra-portable Canon cameras. I’m no photography pro, so I’ve been blown away with the quality of my previous two models (both very much in the economy class of digital cameras) – and just as importantly – the decent macro capabilities. The new one is a bit more expensive and offers the nice 10 mpx, so I’m hoping I can take even nicer worm pics (I am indeed THAT cool!).
I’ve owned a (non-digital) SLR camera before, and in all honesty it just stressed me out having to pull everything out, fiddle with the dials yada yada. Life goes by fast, so I’d much rather have something quick and easy – even if it means giving up the best quality.
Anyway…getting back to the topic of this post. I’m sure most of you are at least somewhat familiar with Sow Bugs, even if you don’t have them in your worm composting systems. They are incredibly common in many dark, humid habitats -sometimes in huge abundance. Aside from the ones that look similar to the one pictured above, there are also the “Basketball Bug” (family Armadillidae) Woodlice. The name of course, comes from the fact that when disturbed, this variety rolls up into a ball (similar in appearance to a basketball).
Don’t be fooled by the common names of these arthropods – they are in fact crustaceans, not insects (and certainly not lice!), related then to lobsters, crabs and shrimp. They are not restricted to terrestrial habitats by any means. I’ve found freshwater species that look quite similar to the terrestial one shown above (although somewhat thinner). Apparently, there is even a huge variety (as big as a football I think) that lives in the ocean as well. Who’da thunk?
Like most of the other creatures in a composting system, these invertebrates should not be viewed with disdain. Not only do they not harm the worms in any way whatsoever, but they actually perform a very beneficial role as ‘shredders’, basically breaking up large fragments of organic matter, thus making them more accessible to microbes for further decomposition. Generally, they prefer a somewhat damp, dark environmental – but not the really moist conditions your worms love. If you notice that the number of sow bugs in your system seems to be increasing, it may be an indication that you are not keeping the moisture content high enough.
Slaters, also known as woodlice or pill bugs, can be a nuisance for basket grass plant owners. These small crustaceans are attracted to moist environments and can damage foliage by chewing holes in leaves. If you’ve noticed slaters on your basket grass, there are several effective and eco-friendly ways to get rid of them.
Identifying Slaters on Basket Grass
Before taking any action, it’s important to confirm slaters are the cause of the damage. Slaters are oval-shaped, segmented bugs around 1⁄4 inch long. They vary in color from gray to brown. Inspect the plant during daytime hours when slaters hide in dark, damp areas under pots and organic matter. Their presence is also indicated by chewed leaves.
Improving Drainage
One of the best ways to deter slaters is making the environment less hospitable. Slaters thrive in moist conditions, so improve drainage around the basket grass. Ensure the plant is not overwatered and excess water can flow away from the roots. Use fast-draining soil and pots with drainage holes.
Removing Debris
Eliminate decaying matter that attracts slaters. Routinely clear away dead foliage, fallen sticks and leaves. A clean surrounding area gives slaters fewer food sources and places to hide.
Applying Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural pest control made from fossilized algae. The powder clings to slaters, absorbing oils and causing dehydration. Lightly sprinkle it around the plant’s base. Reapply after heavy rain or watering. Ensure diatomaceous earth does not contact the foliage.
Setting Traps
Traps are an easy control method. Place overturned clay pots or tubes filled with damp newspaper in areas slaters frequent. They will take shelter there. Check traps daily and dispose of captured pests. Avoid traps if pets or beneficial insects could become caught.
Encouraging Natural Predators
Ground beetles and centipedes feed on slaters. Introduce these predators to the garden area near the basket grass. They will help reduce slater populations. Select predatory species that won’t damage the plant. Monitor for results and remove predators if the slater problem resolves.
Avoiding Pesticides
Chemical pesticides often kill beneficial and harmless insects along with pests They can also damage basket grasses Reserve pesticides for severe infestations unresolved by other methods. Opt for natural or organic formulations with low toxicity to people and wildlife. Always follow label directions carefully.
Preventing Reinfestation
Prevention is key to avoiding recurring issues. Check plants frequently for pests. Keep the area tidy by removing plant debris, fallen leaves and dead vegetation. Ensure basket grasses receive adequate sunlight and air circulation. Promote biodiversity to attract natural predators. Address overwatering issues. Healthy, vigorous basket grasses better withstand pest damage.
In conclusion, slaters can be controlled without harmful chemicals. Make the habitat less attractive by improving drainage and eliminating hiding spots. Kill slaters directly using traps or diatomaceous earth. Encourage natural predators for biological control. Maintain vigilant prevention practices to avoid reinfestation. With persistence and an integrated approach, basket grass can thrive slater-free.
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How to Control Aphids! ♀️ // Garden Answer
FAQ
How to eradicate basket grass?
What kills basketgrass?
How to get rid of creeping Charlie without killing grass?
How does basket grass spread?
How do I get rid of slaters in my garden?
Orchid roots may be particularly favoured. How To Organically Control Slaters Sprinkle OCP eco-shield pellets around plants which need protection. Reapply as required eg after heavy rains or if all pellets get eaten but the damage continues. Clean up areas around the garden which may provide hiding places for them.
How do you get rid of slaters on a strawberry plant?
Grow strawberry plants in pots so fruit hangs down away from soil and mulch. Grow cucumbers and other tailing plants on frames to get the fruit off the ground. Pull mulch away from seedlings until they have established. Create seedling collars from plastic drink bottles with the top and bottom cut off. Turn compost frequently to discourage slaters.
Are Slaters destroying your garden?
They are just helping recycling nutrients in your garden. However if slaters build up into large numbers problem can develop as they start attacking healthy plants and some fruits. Tender young seedlings are particularly vulnerable with the sections close to the ground most commonly eaten.
Can you remove basketgrass with a sod cutter?
Skip using a sod cutter to remove basketgrass. The reason is that each piece of basketgrass that breaks off – such as with a sod cutter – can root and make new plants. If you’d like to re-design look of your landscape, a mix of plants and mulch may be better because they can usually exist on rainfall or minimal supplemental irrigation.