Introduction: Why Slugs Are A Garden Problem
Are you a plant fanatic who loves flowers, green grass, and bougainvillea in your home? If yes, you might also know about the disadvantages that come with it. The uninvited guests, mainly the slugs, enter the garden and try to destroy your plants. Many people think that they don’t affect their garden, but the reality is the opposite. Slugs go unnoticed, but they leave holes and consume the plants. They target especially green leafy vegetables and plants that give fruit.
Today’s blog is your sign to notice your garden carefully and check if the slugs are destroying it or not. And if they are, one must look for solutions to tackle them. We have the OG solution. The only neem oil for slug control. You might have heard of neem oil for skincare and hair care benefits.
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But did you know that neem oil also keeps your garden safe by keeping slugs and other insects at bay? The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of neem oil eliminate harmful slugs and pests from the garden. Let’s dive into the details and the benefits of neem oil, its properties, and how it works for effective slug control.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work?
The neem tree, which is native to India, botanically known as Azadirachta Indica, has powerful properties that serve as a natural pesticide for your plants. Neem oil is extracted from its leaves, and the active compound Azadirachtin works as a disruptor for pets and insects.
Neem oil primarily targets the organs and digestive system of snails and slugs and destroys them. Let’s see how neem oil works to eliminate slugs from your plants and soil.
- Neem oil is coated on the leaves of your plants, and slugs eat them. After they eat the leaves, the properties of neem oil battle with their appetite and repel them.
- Neem oil is a must-have as it repels other insects and pests, too.
- If you think neem oil is just a regular oil, then you are at the wrong place. The power-packed formula has antifungal and antibacterial properties that control fungal growth and damaged plants.
- Neem oil attacks the hormonal system in slugs and interferes with their egg development stage, so they don’t multiply.
Can Neem Oil Control Slugs Effectively?
Yes, neem oil can definitely control slugs, but it is not a poison for them. While it repels them at its best and affects their hormonal system, it might not eliminate it.
Benefits Of Using Neem Oil For Slug Control
Now that you know neem oil definitely works for slug control, let’s check out some of its benefits.
- The little plants can wash off instantly after slugs eat them. Thankfully, not anymore! Neem oil protects them like a rebel, and the tender seedlings get their defense.
- Did you know neem oil is environmentally friendly and benefits your plants by protecting them from insects and slugs? It mainly targets harmful insects that destroy your plants. It is safe and does not harm any of the beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, earthworms, and soil microbes. This is the reason why many people use it for organic and natural gardening methods.
- Slugs usually stay in moist and damp soil. Using pesticides in the form of powder or even ashes can wash off instantly in the rain. But guess what, neem oil in its droplet form repels slugs even in the most moist conditions.
- Have you ever wondered if neem oil is only effective for slugs? Well, definitely not. Name oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that serve as a natural defense for other pests like whiteflies, fungus gnats, mites, aphids, and leaf miners. It is an all-in-one solution that solves multiple plant problems in one go.
- Many times, slugs damage the entire plant and leave wounds. In that case, neem oil prevents further damage by eliminating the chances of fungal disease in plants. It effectively controls function and bacterial infection and its spread in the long run.
- One of the major benefits of using neem oil for slug control is its affordable price and long-lasting benefits. It is cheap compared to other pesticides, and the benefits last for months and months.
How To Use Neem Oil Against Slugs?
We have finally wrapped up the benefits, but all of it comes to use only if you know the tricks to use neem oil to eliminate slugs. Here are the best ways to use neem oil to control slugs.
- Slugs really enjoy sucking on a few plants. Apply neem oil directly on leaves like lettuce, hostas, strawberries, and seedlings.
- Keep a fixed time, like evening, and apply neem oil on the plants as a defense mechanism for slugs.
- Slugs not only affect the plants, but they also damage the soil and plant health. Use neem oil on the soil as a barrier to push slug movement to the plant.
- Neem oil can also be combined with potent and natural methods like beer traps and diatomaceous earth. The combination works even better and eliminates slugs and pests.
- Keep the surface of the soil moist and damp before using neem oil.
DIY Neem Oil Spray Recipe For Slugs
If you know the tricks to use neem oil, then preparing a DIY neem oil spray isn’t a big deal. It might become a deal if you do not know the blends and recipes. So, here is the top one that works miraculously for insects and slugs.
Ingredients:
- Emulsifier in the form of liquid soap
- Cold-pressed and pure neem oil
- Lukewarm or hot water
Method To Make Neem Oil Spray
- In a bowl, add one teaspoon of liquid soap to one litre of lukewarm water.
- To this concoction, add two teaspoons of cold-pressed neem oil.
- Pour it into a spray bottle for easy application.
- Shake it vigorously so that everything is combined.
- Now simply apply this power-packed slug repellent to stems, lower leaves, the upper layer of the soil, and nearby mulch.
- Every time you use this repellent, make sure to shake the bottle really well so that everything is mixed.
- Spread evenly on all the surfaces, especially after rain, to protect the plants.
Plants That Benefit Most From Neem Oil Protection
You might have applied the neem oil spray to every plant in your garden. But, is that the right thing to do? Not, really! Neem oil protects most plants. But here are some plants that benefit the most from the spray.
- Strawberries
- Marigolds
- Seedlings and sprouts
- Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, lettuce, and chard
- Hotstas
- Brassicas
Common Mistakes To Avoid
While using neem oil for scrub control, one can make some common mistakes. This might not be fruitful and can do worse than good to the plants. So, here are some common mistakes that one should avoid while using neem oil spray for slugs and insects.
- Using too much neem oil can create a strong and potent formula. Since neem oil has active compounds, it can burn the leaves and budding seedlings.
- Never spray the neem oil concoction in the morning. Neem oil cannot stand UV exposure and can break down easily. So, always use it in the evening.
- Slugs are not just on the leaves and plants, but they also crawl near the soil. So, keep an eye on the soil and spray the concoction to eliminate their pathways.
- The primary point while using neem oil is to expect the sudden elimination of all the slugs. To be precise, neem oil does not kill slugs. It reduces their feeding properties and repels them.
- Use cold-pressed, 100% organically sourced neem oil for slug control. Using a bad or expired one will not do anything for your plants.
- After a heavy rainfall, make sure to reapply neem oil spray on the plants to maintain the barrier.
Safety Tips & Precautions
Neem oil is a natural way to repel insects, pesticides, slugs, and snails. But using it with proper safety and precautions is important. Here are some tips:
- Always keep neem oil away from children and pets. Although neem oil is natural and not toxic, a strong solution can irritate their senses.
- Avoid using neem oil during the daytime.
- Do not use neem oil concoction on sensitive plants like African violets and ferns. It can kill their leaves and growth.
- Always wear hand gloves while using spring neem oil, as it can leave a very strong aroma.
- Avoid mixing neem oil with other chemical pesticides, as it can diminish its power.
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Conclusion
Want to repel the slugs without killing them? Neem oil is the only solution. Use neem oil for slub control, and you’ll see amazing results. However, use it wisely because less is more, especially with concentrated oils. On other news, do not forget to opt for high-quality oils as the cheap ones might hamper your plant and its growth. At Moksha Lifestyle, you will get the top-quality, 100% pure neem oil for plants.
FAQs
1. Does oil kill slugs?
Yes, oils are concentrated plant extracts that repel insects and slugs. Studies have revealed that spearmint, thyme, and neem oil are ideal for pest repellent.
2. Will neem oil kill rose slugs?
Neem oil is quite effective for rose slugs. However, do not use it solely on the plants, and ask the gardener before application.
3. Where can I buy pure neem oil in India?
Moksha Lifestyle is your one-stop destination to buy all things natural, pure, and organically sourced. Buy pure neem oil in India without any hassle from mokshalifestyle.com
