Protecting Plumeria Seedlings from Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are nocturnal mollusks that can inflict severe damage on tender plumeria seedlings by feeding on leaves, stems, and roots. Their feeding leads to ragged holes, stunted growth, and vulnerability to secondary infections.

Identification and Behavior

• Slugs are soft-bodied, slimy, and lack shells; snails carry coiled shells on their backs.
• Both are active primarily at night or during cool, moist conditions, hiding under mulch or debris during the day.
• Feeding damage is irregular holes with smooth edges, slime trails often mark their presence.

Damage Symptoms

• Leaf and stem tissues with large, irregular holes.
• Severely damaged seedlings may be killed or fail to establish.
• Slime trails visible on leaves, soil, or pots.

Environmental Factors

• Moist, shady environments favor slug and snail activity.
• Dense ground cover and mulch provide shelter.

Prevention Strategies

• Remove hiding places by clearing debris, mulch, and weeds around seedlings.
• Water seedlings in the morning to reduce nighttime moisture.
• Use barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth around pots and beds.

Management and Control

Mechanical Controls

• Handpick slugs and snails during evenings or early mornings.
• Use traps such as beer traps or boards placed near plants.

Organic Controls

• Apply iron phosphate-based baits safe for pets and wildlife.
• Employ nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita) that specifically target mollusks.

Chemical Controls

• Use molluscicides as a last resort, following label instructions carefully to avoid harm to non-target organisms.