Control Millipede, Centipede and snails | Earthit

Summary

The video discusses ways to manage mealybugs, centipedes, and snails that commonly appear in gardens, especially during the monsoon. These pests are drawn to damp and organic-rich environments. While centipedes can cause allergic reactions, mealybugs and snails multiply rapidly, damaging plants. The video suggests removing mulch to control their population, using natural repellents like cinnamon and baking soda, and elevating pots to reduce moisture. Ash is also recommended for repelling insects due to its dehydrating effects. The focus is on humane removal and prevention to protect gardens and indoor plants.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ Monsoons often bring an increase in garden pests like mealybugs, centipedes, and snails.
• 🏡 These pests are attracted to damp, dark areas rich in organic matter, making gardens and pots ideal breeding grounds.
• 🐌 Snails and mealybugs aren't harmful to humans, but they can cause damage to plants by feeding on leaves, vegetables, and seedlings.
• 👶 Baby plants and seedlings are particularly vulnerable to pests, which multiply rapidly and cause harm to gardens.
• 🚫 Removing mulch and organic matter helps control pest populations by taking away their food and hiding spots.
• 🌿 Using ground cinnamon can repel pests due to its strong smell and also promote root growth in plants.
• 🥄 Baking soda acts as an insect repellent by altering soil pH and preventing pests like centipedes, mealybugs, and snails from invading pots.
• 🔥 Wood ash and other types of ash can dehydrate pests and repel them from the garden, especially ants and other insects.
• 🌱 Ash and cinnamon can serve as growth agents, stabilizing root development while protecting plants from pests.
• 🌳 Relocating pests like snails and centipedes to nearby parks or tree bases instead of harming them is a humane pest control approach.

Q & A

What attracts mealy bugs, centipedes, and snails to gardens during the monsoon season?

These pests are attracted to moisture, dampness, darkness, and places filled with organic matter, which are common in gardens during the monsoon season.

Are mealy bugs, centipedes, and snails harmful to humans?

Mealy bugs and snails are not harmful to humans, but centipedes can cause allergic reactions if they bite or sting.

Why are mealy bugs and snails considered harmful to plants?

Mealy bugs and snails reproduce quickly and feed on seedlings, baby plants, vegetables, and leaves, potentially causing damage to gardens and crops.

What is the first step in controlling the population of these pests in the garden?

The first step is to remove organic matter or mulch from the garden, as this deprives the pests of food, hiding places, and the dampness they need to survive.

How can snails and mealy bugs be removed from the garden without harming them?

Instead of harming the pests, they can be collected and relocated to the base of a tree or a park, where they can live without causing damage to the garden.

How does cinnamon help in repelling pests and promoting plant growth?

Cinnamon has a strong smell that repels insects and ants. It also acts as a growth agent by stabilizing and enhancing root growth in seedlings.

What role does baking soda play in repelling garden pests?

Baking soda is alkaline and can repel insects by altering the pH of the soil and their bodies. A layer of baking soda around pots can prevent pests like centipedes, mealy bugs, and snails from entering.

Why is wood ash effective as a pest repellent?

Wood ash absorbs moisture and dehydrates pests. Insects and worms avoid it because it can dehydrate them, which helps keep pests away from plants.

What is the purpose of placing plants in elevated pots or grow bags?

Elevating pots and grow bags prevents pests from accessing damp, dark areas at the base where they might hide or reproduce, helping to control pest populations.

How can ash be used to protect plants from pests?

A layer of ash beneath the stems of plants creates a barrier that repels pests, preventing them from climbing the stems and feeding on the leaves and shoots.