Yarrow is a beautiful flowering plant that adds beauty to any garden. However, it is susceptible to attack by slaters, which can cause damage to the plant. Slaters are small, gray-brown bugs that feed on the leaves and stems of yarrow plants. They are also known as pillbugs, woodlice, or roly-poly bugs. If left uncontrolled, slaters can cause significant damage to yarrow plants. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of them.
Before you can get rid of slaters on yarrow plants, you need to identify the problem. Slaters are small bugs that are usually found under rocks, piles of leaves or debris, or other damp areas. They are a common problem in gardens and thrive in moist environments. If you notice small holes or chew marks on the leaves and stems of your yarrow plants, chances are you have a slater problem.
There are several natural ways to get rid of slaters on yarrow plants. Here are some effective methods:
One of the easiest and most effective ways to get rid of slaters is by handpicking them off your yarrow plants. This method is best done early in the morning or late in the evening when the slaters are most active.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural insecticide that is safe for humans and pets but deadly for insects like slaters. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of your yarrow plants to create a barrier that will kill the slaters when they come into contact with it.
Slater’s love beer and can be easily trapped using beer traps. Bury a shallow container of beer in the soil near your yarrow plants. The slaters will be attracted to the beer and will drown in it.
Garlic is a natural insecticide that can repel slaters. Crush several garlic cloves and steep them in water for several hours. Strain the garlic water and add a few drops of dish soap. Spray the mixture on your yarrow plants to keep slaters away.
If natural methods are not effective, you can use chemical treatments to get rid of slaters on yarrow plants. Here are some chemical treatments:
Insecticidal soap is a natural insecticide that is effective against slaters. Spray the soap directly on your yarrow plants to kill the slaters.
Pyrethrin-based insecticides are chemical insecticides that are effective against slaters. These insecticides work by attacking the nervous system of the insect, causing paralysis and death. Follow the instructions on the label carefully when using pyrethrin-based insecticides.
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to dealing with pests like slaters. Here are some prevention tips:
Slaters are small, gray-brown bugs that feed on the leaves and stems of plants.
You can get rid of slaters naturally by handpicking them off your plants, using diatomaceous earth, beer traps, or garlic spray.
You can use insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based insecticides to get rid of slaters on yarrow plants.
You can prevent slaters from attacking your yarrow plants by keeping your garden clean and free from debris, removing any rocks or other objects that can provide shelter for slaters, watering your plants in the morning, using mulch, and avoiding over-fertilizing your plants.
In conclusion, slaters can cause significant damage to yarrow plants if left uncontrolled. However, there are several natural and chemical methods that you can use to get rid of them. By following the prevention tips outlined in this article, you can keep your yarrow plants healthy and pest-free.