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.
African daisies are beautiful flowers that can brighten up any garden with their vibrant colors and delicate petals. However, these lovely flowers can sometimes fall victim to snails, which can wreak havoc on their delicate foliage. If you’ve noticed snails munching on your African daisy plants, don’t despair! There are several effective and eco-friendly methods you can try to get rid of these pesky pests and protect your precious flowers.
Understanding the Threat of Snails
Snails are notorious garden pests that can cause significant damage to plants by feeding on their leaves, stems, and flowers. African daisies are particularly attractive to snails due to their tender foliage and colorful blooms. Snails are most active during the night and early morning, leaving behind a trail of slime as they move from one plant to another in search of food.
If left unchecked, snails can quickly decimate your African daisy plants, leaving them ragged and unattractive. In addition to the physical damage they cause, snails can also transmit diseases and introduce harmful bacteria to your garden, posing a threat to the overall health of your plants.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Rid of Snails
When it comes to dealing with snails on your African daisy flowers, there are several natural and eco-friendly remedies you can try before resorting to chemical pesticides. Here are some of the most effective methods:
Hand Picking
One of the most straightforward ways to get rid of snails is by handpicking them off your African daisy plants Simply go out into your garden during the evening or early morning when snails are most active, and carefully remove them from your flowers You can then dispose of the snails by either crushing them or relocating them to a different area far from your garden. This is the most effective and low impact way to control snails.
Barriers
You can use physical barriers to prevent snails from reaching your African daisies in the first place. Materials like copper tape diatomaceous earth, crushed eggshells and coffee grounds can be placed around the base of plants to block snails. Hand picking alone won’t solve all your mollusk problems, so barriers are a useful addition.
Trapping
You can lure snails into traps and then dispose of them Small containers filled with beer, milk, or yeast dissolved in sugar water make very effective traps that will catch quite a few mollusks. Place these traps near plants that snails are attacking The snails are attracted to the smell and will crawl in and drown.
Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators like frogs, toads, ducks, and chickens can help reduce snail populations. Create an environment in your garden that welcomes these creatures by providing habitat and food sources. Having them around means they will snack on troublesome snails.
Decoy Plants
You can use fast-growing, snail-attracting plants as decoys. Plant these away from your prized African daisies, and the snails will be drawn to the decoys instead. Some options are Mother of Thousands, Malabar Spinach, and Longevity Spinach. Check the snail-covered decoys frequently and dispose of the pests.
Preventative Measures
Prevention is key for long-term snail control in your garden. Here are some tips:
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Maintain good garden hygiene by removing debris and weeds where snails hide.
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Water plants in the morning so foliage dries out during the day, which deters snails.
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Rotate potted African daisies to prevent overcrowding and evenly expose them to sunlight.
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Prune and dispose of any infected or dead plant matter to prevent disease spread.
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Check plants thoroughly and often to spot early signs of snails before major damage occurs.
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Amend soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage and make the habitat less appealing for snails.
Dealing with snails attacking your beautiful African daisies can be frustrating, but there are many eco-friendly solutions. Combining hand picking, barriers, traps, predator encouragement, decoy plants and preventative measures can effectively control snail populations without using toxic chemicals. Be vigilant in monitoring for early signs of snails, and take prompt action. With some patience and dedication to snail prevention, your African daisies will thrive!
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
Do snails like African daisies?
What can I spray on plants to get rid of snails?
Do Rosemary & Thyme bushes kill snails?
Plant Rosemary or Thyme Bushes Rosemary and thyme are both in the mint family, so their aroma helps to deter snails, slugs, and other dangerous pests. Planting them near your garden beds makes this area an unappealing place for the snails to call home.
Are slugs eating your daisy flowers?
If your daisy flowers have been the target of unwanted guests, there are a few pests in particular that you should be aware of. Snails and slugs are the most common culprits when it comes to eating daisies. These slimy creatures love to feed on the soft petals and young buds of daisies, and can quickly decimate a flowerbed if left unchecked.
Do snails eat plants?
Snails in the garden can cause big problems that you definitely want to avoid. Garden snails chew through leaves on plants, which reduces productivity. Snails and slugs can even consume an entire plant in one night.
How do I keep bugs away from my Daisies?
Keeping bugs away from your daisies can be a tricky business. One way to make sure they stay protected is to choose sturdy varieties of daisies that are resistant to common pests and diseases. For example, if you live in a warmer climate, opting for an African Daisy or Shasta Daisy variety could be beneficial.