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Senetti slug attack

stephaniedunn1988uwdF9NqQstephaniedunn1988uwdF9NqQ Posts: 42
in Problem solving
Hi, my Senetti is looking really sorry for itself. It looks like it’s been the victim of slugs/snails, because I can see the slime. I don’t understand how they’re getting to the flowers as I’ve put a layer of slug pellets in the pot. 

Can anyone advise how I can revive the plant a bit please? I feel like I need to cut it right back to start with, but not sure if that’s the right thing to do. Here’s a pic:


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Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    That a tonne of pellets...the more you use the more slugs you attract. After all it's a bait. Have a read at the instructions on the packaging it will recommend sparing application. I don't bother with pellets and instead do night raids which has been great. 

    I haven't grown the particular plant but it looks like cutting down the damaged side would make sense. With a good feed and water should bounce back. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • p.taylorwolfearp.taylorwolfear Posts: 2
    I'm trying a garlic wash to deal with the slugs.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Not sure I want my plants to smell of garlic...and I like it very much in cooking 🤣
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Easy peasy with a pot. Get a tray/dish/ saucer a couple of inched deep. Put a brick in it and fill it with water to just below the brick. Stand the pot on the brick, making sure the plant does not touch anything. For a couple of nights, check for and remove resident slugs. Slugs do not cross water.
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
    Maybe try the copper tape around the pot? I've used it, my plants haven't been ravaged by slugs but to be fair I was just being over cautious! Slug pellets are getting outlawed soon so you need to get used to life without them!
  • stephaniedunn1988uwdF9NqQstephaniedunn1988uwdF9NqQ Posts: 42
    Thank you for all of your comments! I didn’t realise the pellets were bait! They’re organic, pet-friendly slug pellets and it does actually say to spread a layer of them around the plant in the pot. I do have copper tape so will try that again as well as the water underneath. They’re the bane of my life at the moment. Planted some lovely monkey flowers on Monday and was really pleased that the pellets around them seemed to be working. Spotted a few nibbled leaves this morning so hoping they’re still there tomorrow so I can sort this issue out after work!
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Slugs are a real pain. I pick them off by gloved hand and drop them into a bucket with VERY salty water in it. I used to get hundreds a night, but just a few now!
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    edited June 2021
    Those are sheep's wool slug pellets aren't they? I think they are supposed to be a *deterrent* - but sheep's wool has been proven useless as a slug deterrent.

    You are right to avoid metaldehyde slug pellets, but if you're having a real problem, you could try the much less toxic ferric phosphate pellets, or nematodes.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Slugs are very happy to swim.
  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    I've just been out for 5-10 mins. Removed 40-50 Cyrils from their planned nocturnal munching. Probably the most effective method I've found.
    East Lancs
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