Q.
My
hosta leaves are always full of holes from slugs. Is there an
environmentally friendly way to control them? I prefer not to use
slug chemical controls on my hostas.
A.
There
are some new products on the market that use iron phosphate, rather
than the metaldehyde used in Bug-Geta®, that is much less toxic to
people and pets. Sluggo and Escar-Go are two examples, and there may
be other brand names.
Hosta foliage is much more attractive when it
doesn't
have "shot hole" damage from slugs
Some gardeners
report success with diatomaceous earth, too. Both the iron
phosphate-based products and diatomaceous earth must be reapplied
after rain. Even heavy dew can make diatomaceous earth much less
effective. Make sure to purchase diatomaceous earth intended for
pest control rather than what is sold for use in swimming pool
filters. Diatomaceous earth for swimming pools is more finely ground
and less effective than what is sold for pest control.
Diatomaceous
earth is a mined product that contains the fossilized remains of
diatoms, and controls pests by damaging the pest’s exoskeleton and
causing dehydration.
Garden insects
Hostas and HVX
Perennial photos
More gardening
tips |
