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Defeating Snails...
All,
'Tis the summer of the escargots! Big, fat snails hiding in the pots, on the benches, etc, and doing their evil night work. I've been using Garden Safe Slug and Snail Bait by Schultz, and it does work (I've been throwing out dead snails). I chose this product because Casper the cat goes out in the lanai and it's safe for him. But the pellets degrade in water, and end up a soggy, moldy mess. This eventually disappears, but it's still mold, and going into the pots. It seems to me that I remember copper being an effective snail/slug deterent. So, if I wrap copper wire around the edges and legs of the benches, and around the hanging bars, will that help? TIA Diana |
Diana,
I doubt this will help you but for others it may....TOADS! I have lots of toads everywhere. They laid eggs in the small pond in the back and now I have baby toads everywhere. I have big fat toads all over the property. I have three or four that live in the greenhouse. I don't have any slugs. Toads love to eat slugs. If you can keep the cat from playing with the toads then when you see one outside scoop it up and put it with your plants on the lanai. Good Growing, Gene "Diana Kulaga" wrote in message hlink.net... All, 'Tis the summer of the escargots! Big, fat snails hiding in the pots, on the benches, etc, and doing their evil night work. I've been using Garden Safe Slug and Snail Bait by Schultz, and it does work (I've been throwing out dead snails). I chose this product because Casper the cat goes out in the lanai and it's safe for him. But the pellets degrade in water, and end up a soggy, moldy mess. This eventually disappears, but it's still mold, and going into the pots. It seems to me that I remember copper being an effective snail/slug deterent. So, if I wrap copper wire around the edges and legs of the benches, and around the hanging bars, will that help? TIA Diana |
What you need is some copper fashing a couple of inches wide. It's pretty
soft and easy to cut. They also make a copper snail barrier but I don't know what it's called. Shell "Diana Kulaga" wrote in message hlink.net... All, 'Tis the summer of the escargots! Big, fat snails hiding in the pots, on the benches, etc, and doing their evil night work. I've been using Garden Safe Slug and Snail Bait by Schultz, and it does work (I've been throwing out dead snails). I chose this product because Casper the cat goes out in the lanai and it's safe for him. But the pellets degrade in water, and end up a soggy, moldy mess. This eventually disappears, but it's still mold, and going into the pots. It seems to me that I remember copper being an effective snail/slug deterent. So, if I wrap copper wire around the edges and legs of the benches, and around the hanging bars, will that help? TIA Diana |
Don't forget the old beer trick. You can also make a trap that
they enter and that protects the bait from the water to some extent. Cut the top off a soda bottle down in the full size area. Turn it inside out - so the open top goes into the bottle. Staple the cut edges together and you have a plastic trap that holds the bait out of the way of most water. The beer trick is easier. - Just put out a saucer of beer. Cover it or leave it uncovered. They love beer climb in it readily. For traps you can also leave a citrus rind upside down on a bench. They will climb up into it to spend the day. Early morning discard should help thin the crop. Good luck. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php |
Don't forget the old beer trick. You can also make a trap that
they enter and that protects the bait from the water to some extent. Cut the top off a soda bottle down in the full size area. Turn it inside out - so the open top goes into the bottle. Staple the cut edges together and you have a plastic trap that holds the bait out of the way of most water. The beer trick is easier. - Just put out a saucer of beer. Cover it or leave it uncovered. They love beer climb in it readily. For traps you can also leave a citrus rind upside down on a bench. They will climb up into it to spend the day. Early morning discard should help thin the crop. Good luck. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php |
I've heard grape juice works too. We were infested in the front yard and I
found Sluggo worked great. Had to apply it twice and will probably apply it one more time but I haven't seen any snails in awhile Shell "Susan Erickson" wrote in message ... Don't forget the old beer trick. You can also make a trap that they enter and that protects the bait from the water to some extent. Cut the top off a soda bottle down in the full size area. Turn it inside out - so the open top goes into the bottle. Staple the cut edges together and you have a plastic trap that holds the bait out of the way of most water. The beer trick is easier. - Just put out a saucer of beer. Cover it or leave it uncovered. They love beer climb in it readily. For traps you can also leave a citrus rind upside down on a bench. They will climb up into it to spend the day. Early morning discard should help thin the crop. Good luck. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php |
Oh, we have little toads, Gene! I find them in the orchids all the time.
And Casper would "play" with them, for sure. Happily, he hasn't caught any. We've got tons of geckos out there, too. Those, he does catch, although he doesn't try to kill them. He wants to play. Diana |
Oh, we have little toads, Gene! I find them in the orchids all the time.
And Casper would "play" with them, for sure. Happily, he hasn't caught any. We've got tons of geckos out there, too. Those, he does catch, although he doesn't try to kill them. He wants to play. Diana |
Thanks, Sue and Shell. I think we'll take an all-out-war approach and do
the bait trap, copper, and beer, along with more bait in the pots, until I feel rid of them. Dirty rotten scoundrels! Diana |
On Sun, 22 Aug 2004 20:23:26 GMT, "Diana Kulaga"
wrote: Thanks, Sue and Shell. I think we'll take an all-out-war approach and do the bait trap, copper, and beer, along with more bait in the pots, until I feel rid of them. Dirty rotten scoundrels! Diana Don't forget - If you pick any up toss them out hole. If you squash them they self fertilize the eggs and you are now the carrier planting snail eggs on every plant you touch. Big snails or little. My question is how do the little bush snails get into vandas hanging over head? I found 3 of the little guys today. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php |
Diana,
Try a product such as THAT'S IT, which doesn't leave a soggy mess and crown rot in some orchids. .. . . Pam Everything Orchid Management System http://www.pe.net/~profpam/page3.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diana Kulaga wrote: All, 'Tis the summer of the escargots! Big, fat snails hiding in the pots, on the benches, etc, and doing their evil night work. I've been using Garden Safe Slug and Snail Bait by Schultz, and it does work (I've been throwing out dead snails). I chose this product because Casper the cat goes out in the lanai and it's safe for him. But the pellets degrade in water, and end up a soggy, moldy mess. This eventually disappears, but it's still mold, and going into the pots. It seems to me that I remember copper being an effective snail/slug deterent. So, if I wrap copper wire around the edges and legs of the benches, and around the hanging bars, will that help? TIA Diana |
I tried the copper wire thing for slugs. Basically took a wire around
the perimeter boards of a raised garden bed. Didn't do a thing to deter the slugs. I went back to the Bait. Diana Kulaga wrote: All, 'Tis the summer of the escargots! Big, fat snails hiding in the pots, on the benches, etc, and doing their evil night work. I've been using Garden Safe Slug and Snail Bait by Schultz, and it does work (I've been throwing out dead snails). I chose this product because Casper the cat goes out in the lanai and it's safe for him. But the pellets degrade in water, and end up a soggy, moldy mess. This eventually disappears, but it's still mold, and going into the pots. It seems to me that I remember copper being an effective snail/slug deterent. So, if I wrap copper wire around the edges and legs of the benches, and around the hanging bars, will that help? TIA Diana |
If I'm not mistaken, a wire won't do the trick. It needs to be a strip wide
enough that the entire body must pass over it at once to be effective. I'd rather just kill them, though... -- Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info! .. "mg" wrote in message ... I tried the copper wire thing for slugs. Basically took a wire around the perimeter boards of a raised garden bed. Didn't do a thing to deter the slugs. I went back to the Bait. Diana Kulaga wrote: All, 'Tis the summer of the escargots! Big, fat snails hiding in the pots, on the benches, etc, and doing their evil night work. I've been using Garden Safe Slug and Snail Bait by Schultz, and it does work (I've been throwing out dead snails). I chose this product because Casper the cat goes out in the lanai and it's safe for him. But the pellets degrade in water, and end up a soggy, moldy mess. This eventually disappears, but it's still mold, and going into the pots. It seems to me that I remember copper being an effective snail/slug deterent. So, if I wrap copper wire around the edges and legs of the benches, and around the hanging bars, will that help? TIA Diana |
My question is how do the little bush snails get into vandas
hanging over head? I found 3 of the little guys today. SuE I guess they climb, since I find them in overhead stuff as well. Diana |
Try a product such as THAT'S IT, which doesn't leave a soggy mess and
crown rot in some orchids. Haven't heard of that, but I'll check it out. Thanks, Pam. Diana |
If I'm not mistaken, a wire won't do the trick. It needs to be a strip
wide enough that the entire body must pass over it at once to be effective. I'd rather just kill them, though... We bought copper flashing at HD today. I'd rather kill them, too, but I don't want to find out I have them by waking up to shredded leaves or partially eaten flowers! So we're going the two pronged way: bait and copper. Diana |
Diana Kulaga wrote:
We bought copper flashing at HD today. I'd rather kill them, too, but I don't want to find out I have them by waking up to shredded leaves or partially eaten flowers! So we're going the two pronged way: bait and copper. Take it one step beyond. Plug the copper into the wall socket. Then you can have bait _and_ switch... *grin* I've heard of (but haven't seen) people putting the legs of their benches in buckets filled with water. Slugs can't swim... Seems like this would be detrimental to the longevity of the benches, but I suppose you could figure something out. Rob -- Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren 1) There is always room for one more orchid 2) There is always room for two more orchids 2a. See rule 1 3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase more orchids, obtain more credit LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list ) |
Take it one step beyond. Plug the copper into the wall socket. Then you
can have bait _and_ switch... *grin* Aaaarrrrggh! Groan! LOL! Diana |
I have one more question. I like to know why I'm doing what I do. So,
relative to what you said, Ray, does the copper kill the snail or otherwise disable it? I thought it was used as a deterrent, something the creeps wouldn't cross. Is that right, or is it something more? Also, about laying the copper flashing: Frank was going to put down a 2" border around the edges of the benches, and wrap the legs. Is that the right way to go about it? Thanks so much for all the info. Diana |
The best weapon against slugs I know of is liquid metaldehyde. Same active
ingredient as most of the baits, but nothing left for the pets or to mold in the pot. I also find it works much better at getting the slugs that are living at the bottom of the pot then bait will. It is hard to find and a google search will find 50 UK sources every source in the US. When comparing prices it seems that UK products are 20% metaldehyde while the US products are 25%. It used to be cheaper to order from the UK, but the weak dollar has changed that. Many growers use it in combination with sevin. Pat "Diana Kulaga" wrote in message ink.net... If I'm not mistaken, a wire won't do the trick. It needs to be a strip wide enough that the entire body must pass over it at once to be effective. I'd rather just kill them, though... We bought copper flashing at HD today. I'd rather kill them, too, but I don't want to find out I have them by waking up to shredded leaves or partially eaten flowers! So we're going the two pronged way: bait and copper. Diana |
The best weapon against slugs I know of is liquid metaldehyde. Same active
ingredient as most of the baits, but nothing left for the pets or to mold in the pot. I also find it works much better at getting the slugs that are living at the bottom of the pot then bait will. It is hard to find and a google search will find 50 UK sources every source in the US. When comparing prices it seems that UK products are 20% metaldehyde while the US products are 25%. It used to be cheaper to order from the UK, but the weak dollar has changed that. Many growers use it in combination with sevin. Pat "Diana Kulaga" wrote in message ink.net... If I'm not mistaken, a wire won't do the trick. It needs to be a strip wide enough that the entire body must pass over it at once to be effective. I'd rather just kill them, though... We bought copper flashing at HD today. I'd rather kill them, too, but I don't want to find out I have them by waking up to shredded leaves or partially eaten flowers! So we're going the two pronged way: bait and copper. Diana |
Thanks, Pat.
Diana |
Thanks, Pat.
Diana |
"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message hlink.net...
Thanks, Pat. Diana Hi My first post on this Forum - Hello everyone. I dont use mataldahyde because it gives me a serious itch that lasts for months. I have used SLUGGO. Sluggo uses Iron phosphate to kill the slugs and snails and that component actually turns to a beneficial fertilizer when the stuff decays but what is the slimy stuff that forms around the pellets?Is it the Iron phosphate or something else they are useing to attract snails to eat it. I dont like the appearance of the stuff but it sure seems to work. Have found Brown Millipedes on top of my potting medium (about 3 inches long - round brown bodies)which also seem to be dead but I pull them out and put 250 pounds thru my shoeon them to be sure - has anyone else found these things in their pots? By the way WAL-MART has an Iron Phosphate type bait at a much lower cost than Sluggo - neither of the baits will harm pets or birds. |
"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message hlink.net...
Thanks, Pat. Diana Hi My first post on this Forum - Hello everyone. I dont use mataldahyde because it gives me a serious itch that lasts for months. I have used SLUGGO. Sluggo uses Iron phosphate to kill the slugs and snails and that component actually turns to a beneficial fertilizer when the stuff decays but what is the slimy stuff that forms around the pellets?Is it the Iron phosphate or something else they are useing to attract snails to eat it. I dont like the appearance of the stuff but it sure seems to work. Have found Brown Millipedes on top of my potting medium (about 3 inches long - round brown bodies)which also seem to be dead but I pull them out and put 250 pounds thru my shoeon them to be sure - has anyone else found these things in their pots? By the way WAL-MART has an Iron Phosphate type bait at a much lower cost than Sluggo - neither of the baits will harm pets or birds. |
Welcome! Glad you are posting. I will wait for someone else to address the
iron phosphate question, since I really don't know. Thanks for the response. Diana |
Welcome! Glad you are posting. I will wait for someone else to address the
iron phosphate question, since I really don't know. Thanks for the response. Diana |
Uggg....this is the absolute worst year here in Fl for snail ...millions of
them everywhere, I think I'm somwhat getting them under control... Good luck Todd "Diana Kulaga" wrote in message hlink.net... All, 'Tis the summer of the escargots! Big, fat snails hiding in the pots, on the benches, etc, and doing their evil night work. I've been using Garden Safe Slug and Snail Bait by Schultz, and it does work (I've been throwing out dead snails). I chose this product because Casper the cat goes out in the lanai and it's safe for him. But the pellets degrade in water, and end up a soggy, moldy mess. This eventually disappears, but it's still mold, and going into the pots. It seems to me that I remember copper being an effective snail/slug deterent. So, if I wrap copper wire around the edges and legs of the benches, and around the hanging bars, will that help? TIA Diana |
Uggg....this is the absolute worst year here in Fl for snail ...millions of
them everywhere, I think I'm somwhat getting them under control... Good luck Todd "Diana Kulaga" wrote in message hlink.net... All, 'Tis the summer of the escargots! Big, fat snails hiding in the pots, on the benches, etc, and doing their evil night work. I've been using Garden Safe Slug and Snail Bait by Schultz, and it does work (I've been throwing out dead snails). I chose this product because Casper the cat goes out in the lanai and it's safe for him. But the pellets degrade in water, and end up a soggy, moldy mess. This eventually disappears, but it's still mold, and going into the pots. It seems to me that I remember copper being an effective snail/slug deterent. So, if I wrap copper wire around the edges and legs of the benches, and around the hanging bars, will that help? TIA Diana |
Hi,
this is the absolute worst year here in Fl for snail ...millions of them everywhere, I think I'm somwhat getting them under control... Been in RGO, since 1995. Posted maybe five times, now 7 posts in two days. Coffee mixture in your water. Never could figure out the 2% concentration.(remember, I'm a graduate of Fl schools-have to take my shoes off to count above 12 +GRIN+). We just dump the remainder of morning coffee (probably 2-3 cups) in the 55 gallon barrel from which we run our watering/fertilizing/fungicide. Haven't seen a snail in a year. Plants seem more wide awake, too. LOL. Caffeine can repel or kill snails that might otherwise eat and ruin plants, Agricultural Research Service scientists report in the June 27, 2002 issue of the scientific journal Nature. In preliminary experiments at his research greenhouse in Hilo, Hollingsworth applied a 2 percent solution of caffeine in water as a spray to the coconut husk-chips material in which orchids are grown. This growth medium, called coir, was infested with the tiny snails. The scientists found that the caffeine spray killed up to 95 percent of the snails. In another experiment, the researchers showed that growth medium treated with the 2 percent caffeine solution had only 5 snails, when checked 30 days after the spray was applied. That's in contrast to the 35 snails that they found in growth medium that had been treated with a standard dose of metaldehyde, a common molluscicide. Hope This May Help Someone, Karen and Jerry Camp Lot A Noise Tropicals (C. L. A. N.) http://www.clanorchids.com Orchid Species, Hybrids, Supplies, Photos and Books Chat (941) 352-2483 Fax: (941) 351-2483 X 123 Order Only 1-800-351-CITE |
Uggg....this is the absolute worst year here in Fl for snail ...millions
of them everywhere, I think I'm somwhat getting them under control... You're right. I have never had a snail problem to speak of before. This year is brutal. This is war!! Diana |
Karen and Jerry,
Thanks much for that tip! Easy to try, and the worst that can happen is that Casper the Wonder Cat drinks some and has a really wild gym session! Diana |
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