Effective Ways to Get Rid of Slaters on Your Beach Morning Glory Plant

With its vibrant purple blooms and lush foliage beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) makes a gorgeous addition to coastal gardens. However these plants can sometimes become plagued by slaters. Also known as pill bugs or woodlice, these small grey crustaceans can cause damage by feeding on the leaves, stems, and flowers. If you notice slaters on your beach morning glory, taking prompt action is key to protecting the health and beauty of this plant. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore highly effective organic and natural methods for getting rid of slaters on beach morning glory plants.

Understanding Slaters: Behavior, Habits and Damage

Before implementing control measures, it’s important to understand what attracts slaters to beach morning glory in the first place. Here are some key facts about these plant pests:

• Slaters are not insects but crustaceans related to shrimps and crabs. They have segmented rounded bodies with 7 pairs of legs.

• These nocturnal creatures prefer moist, shady areas and are attracted to decaying plant debris.

• When food sources are scarce, slaters may start targeting living plants, feeding on leaves, stems, flowers and even roots.

• The damage they cause appears as irregular holes, missing sections or wilting of leaves and flowers. Severe feeding can stunt plant growth.

• Slaters typically hide under rocks, mulch or in crevices near plants during the daytime.

Knowing the habits and behaviors of slaters will help you locate them and implement targeted treatments on your beach morning glory plant.

Effective Organic Methods to Control Slaters

The good news is that there are several highly effective organic remedies that can get rid of slaters without harming your plant or the environment. Here are some of the top methods to try:

Diatomaceous Earth

Spreading diatomaceous earth around the base of affected plants is one of the most effective organic treatments. The microscopic sharp edges of this powder cut through the waxy coating on slaters, causing them to dry out and die. Reapply after rain or watering.

Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds deter slaters with their strong odor. Place generous amounts of spent coffee grounds around plants and reapply weekly. The coarse texture also deters slaters from crawling onto plants.

Crushed Eggshells

Like diatomaceous earth, crushed eggshells are abrasive and get lodged in the bodies of slaters, eventually leading to dehydration and death. Scatter crushed eggshells around the base of plants and along surrounding soil.

Horticultural Oils

Certain horticultural oils, like neem, can smother slaters and disrupt their hormonal balance. Use a sprayer to completely coat the soil, stems and undersides of leaves with oil. Reapply after rain.

Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soaps containing potassium salts of fatty acids can be sprayed directly onto slaters and plants to penetrate their exoskeleton and kill them. Avoid harming pollinators by applying selectively.

Natural Pest Prevention Strategies

In addition to control measures, implementing preventive strategies through modification of the environment can deter slaters and reduce damage long-term:

• Improve drainage around plants to eliminate excess moisture attractive to slaters.

• Remove leaf litter, dead wood and garden debris that provide food sources.

• Eliminate hiding spots like rocks, boards and mulch directly touching plants.

• Surround plants with abrasive materials like sand, crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth.

• Install copper tape barriers, which emit a static charge repellent to slaters.

• Attract natural predators like birds, frogs and beneficial insects to the garden.

When to Consider Chemical Pesticides

For severe or persistent slater infestations, chemical pesticides are an option if other methods fail. However, they should always be a last resort due to potential environmental impacts. Some possible choices include:

• Insecticidal baits containing metaldehyde, effective against slaters but also toxic to pets if ingested. Exercise extreme caution.

• Carbaryl dusts and liquids, applied lightly to soil and stems. Avoid pollinators during application.

• Pyrethrin sprays, derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Spray onto slaters and afflicted areas of plants.

No matter which products you choose, always follow label directions carefully and only use as needed. Prioritize less toxic organic options whenever possible.

Prevent Slater Damage Through Diligent Care

While control measures can tackle existing slater infestations, prevention is equally important. Follow these tips to keep your beach morning glory healthy and less susceptible long-term:

• Provide ideal growing conditions with well-draining, sandy soil, full sun exposure and adequate fertilization.

• Water plants at soil level rather than from overhead to discourage moisture-loving slaters.

• Remove and destroy severely damaged leaves and flowers to prevent the spread of slaters to unaffected tissues.

• Check plants regularly for early signs of slaters like holes, wilting or missing plant sections.

• Quarantine and treat new plants before introducing to the main garden to avoid introducing slaters.

By taking a multifaceted approach of combining organic pest control, smart prevention and attentive plant care, you can successfully protect your beach morning glories from damage while creating a garden environmentinhospitable to slaters.
With persistence and patience, your coastal garden can flourish with vibrant, slater-free beach morning glory plants.