In rainy summers and in rather humid areas, slugs can cause great damage. In this article you will find out whether scabiosis is one of the reptiles' favorite foods and how you can protect plants from pests.
Are scabioses susceptible to snail damage?
Scabiosis is not one of snails' favorite foods, but it is not snail-resistant either. To protect against snail damage, it is recommended to keep the ground open and free of weeds, set up lime barriers and use snail fences.
Do snails like scabiosis?
Scabiosis is not one of the snail-resistant summer flowers. But it is alsononeof the perennials that belong to thefavorite food of molluscs.
If the scabiosis has already been weakened by the weather or the beginning of root rot in rainy years, slugs will not despise it. This is because the natural defense caused by essential oils and tannins in the leaves decreases. In addition, the animals multiply en masse in wet weather and can then cause great damage.
How can I protect scabiosis from snails?
If the scabiosis is eaten by the snails, you shouldcombine several methods of snail defense:
- Since drought is the biggest enemy of pests, keep the soil open and free of weeds.
- Do not mulch.
- Apply a layer of sawdust mixed with lime around the beds. Slugs avoid this barrier because the lime would burn their soles. When it rains, this snail defense must be renewed regularly.
- Snail fences (€95.00 on Amazon), which cannot be overcome by the reptiles, are very helpful.
How do I fight snails on the scabiosis?
It's not a particularly pleasant job, butcollecting the slugsis probably themost effective method.
- Lay out stones, boards or large leaves in the bed. The molluscs hide there in the morning hours.
- Collect all the animals.
Where do the snails collected by the scabiosis go?
Environmentalists and experts from the Federal Association of German Gardeners recommendkilling the mollusks quickly. Cut through the pests boldly with secateurs or If you pour boiling water over them, the animals will not suffer unnecessarily.
Please don't just throw the snails into the organic waste bin. Here they slowly suffocate and die painfully. Even the unloved slugs should be spared such a death.
As they can disrupt the ecosystem, avoid releasing the collected reptiles into nature.
Tip
Preventing snail damage to the scabiosis
If you want to protect the scabiosis from slugs next year, you should loosen the soil thoroughly in autumn. This destroys the clutches of molluscs. You can also promote the settlement of beneficial insects. Runner ducks, Khaki Campell ducks and chickens also help you contain the plague.
