Snails...spike for dessert

[orchidaddict789]

Out of all the plants in my home, two snails had to make a lunch out of a new onc spike barely an inch long. They stayed quite hidden between the folds at the base of the leaf, chewing through the very spot where the spike attaches to the pbulb. No wonder why the pointy green thing fell out loose when I checked the plant today. I never had snail problems (indoors), and who knows where these two little devils appeared from, since I got the plant six months ago, kept it in the safest place, etc...



First time having a spike eaten up like that. Oh well, at least the plant has three other spikes that amazingly escaped harm and are five inches tall. I checked the plant but I still worry about hidden snails (or eggs) that may discover the remaining spikes...

[Tindomul1of9]

How big is the plant? If you can fit it into a sealable container and fill it Carbon dioxide via dry ice, or somehow use up or take out all the oxygen in the tank for 20 or 30 minutes, you should be able to sufficate the snails to death. But its not worth it if you think more snails will just move in from somewhere else.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hey Lily,

Sorry to hear about the snails. I would take the plant outside and mix up some poison (malathion) and pour through the medium. That'll get the culprits and any friends they have. After a couple of hours, flush the pot with water and bring it back inside or if you want, let it sit outside for a few days with the poison. When it is time to water it again, do so outside and then you can bring it back inside.

Cheers!
BD

[orchid-man]

I know the feeling.had a snail attack the flowers on a Laelia perrinii as they were
1/2 open

[bench72]

oooh evil pests...

surprisingly, I was given a tidbit advise on how to conquer snails today... apparently if you don't want to use those snail pellets, you can actually crush them up, mix them with cement and make a bit of a block... the snails are attracted to it and when they go on it... good bye snails...

I know, that the above still uses those snail pellets, but at least doggies and catties won't be eating the pellets...

actually, I'd love to hear other people's "Snail remedies", especially organic ones...

[Piper]

Salt works with slugs. Could you create a salt moat around the orchids?

Julie

[Diane]

2 suggestions, both organic..

Buy some copper tape - it's specifically made to wrap around pots to keep snails and slugs from climbing in. I've found it fairly effective. There is some sort of electical reaction between the copper the the slug's uhh - err- ooze.

If you want to make a moat, fill it with beer (Which is absolutely the best thing I can think of to do with beer... ) Snails love the ferment-y smell and climb right it - and drown. You have to keep it fresh - take out the deceased and put in fresh beer. It should be at least an inch deep dish with about 3/4" of beer. This also works well in the garden. Dig a small depression to match the size of the beer pan. Place the pan in the shallow and fill with beer as above. The steeper the sides on the pan the better.

[Piper]

LOL! Lily will find Tim-O and me passed out in the bottom of the moat come morning!

Julie

[Brutal_Dreamer]

LOL! Lily will find Tim-O and me passed out in the bottom of the moat come morning!

Julie

OMG! LOL!

Cheers!
BD

[Jmoney]

yes you can use beer, you can use a little cabbage or apple or whatever. i've even heard of copper wire to keep them out. you'll get a few. it'll be entertaining. you can put the snails and/or slugs on the concrete and crush them with your shoes. (I highly recommend doing that--very satisfying). but in the end you don't want to mess around. YOU WANT TO KILL THEM ALL before they keep munching on your spikes and root tips.

I would use metaldehyde granules that you can buy at any lawn & garden store. probably NOT safe to use indoors so when it gets warm enough to move them outside for a couple days, sprinkle some granules on the pots and DO NOT WATER for a few days. your snail problems should be done. beware of them spreading to other pots though.