Coffee vs. snails

[Coconutmuffn]

I recently acquired a new vanda (Robert's Delight 'Black') and it came with some hitchhiking bush snails. For the last 3 days I have been spraying it down with undiluted coffee dregs in the pm (before bed) and then hosing it or soaking it with water in the am as per usual watering routine. I haven't seen any snails since 12 hrs after the first coffee treatment.

Therefore, I was wondering how long those who have been successful with this method have treated and if this sounds like a good or bad routine for the welfare of the plant. This is a substantially sized plant, but I can provide pics if this would help determine what the plant can safely tolerate. Should I bump back to every other day or more on the coffee treatment?

I have placed out a potato this evening to see who shows up. Good news is that so far, I have 1 out of 2 untouched new nubbin roots!! Thank you for any help!!

[orchidsarefun]

you got me curious about this method.........but see comment 11) on link below !!!! but if it works for you......

How To Kill Snails and Slugs

I've used coffee grounds as a soil conditioner in my garden but have never noticed that it kills snails ( no tell tale snail tracks), but maybe you are on to something. Would never use on my orchids, doesn't it make the grow area smell of coffee ?

[RJSquirrel]

I had some snails. I used Sluggo and I dont anymore

but if you like to read links as we can never have too many links theres lot to read there indeed....and a few more links too

[NatalieS]

Someone on the board here recommended laying a piece of lettuce over the top of the medium/roots. I noticed some teeny snails on one of my plants and decided to try the lettuce leaf trick. Literally within 5 minutes of doing this there was a snail munching on the lettuce leaf. Apparently they can't resist it!

After a day or two of tempting them out with lettuce, I just put a few drops of dish-washing liquid into the water when watering. A few drops of soap will not harm the plant but will kill soft-bodied insects in the soil. I haven't seen them since.

[Coconutmuffn]

doesn't it make the grow area smell of coffee ?

The plant was thankfully on quarantine when I found the snails so it's only making my bathroom smell like coffee atm. Thank you for the link!

I had some snails. I used Sluggo and I don't anymore

I think I'll try to get some Sluggo on my way home just in case this coffee doesn't work, thank you! I was originally worried that this wouldn't stick to the roots/pot since the plant has no media.

Someone on the board here recommended laying a piece of lettuce over the top of the medium/roots. I noticed some teeny snails on one of my plants and decided to try the lettuce leaf trick. Literally within 5 minutes of doing this there was a snail munching on the lettuce leaf. Apparently they can't resist it!

I tried a potato last night, but it came back clean this morning. I'll definitely try some lettuce!! Thank you for the suggestion!

[dounoharm]

whenever i get something munching on my orchids, i want it DEAD....i dont fool around with coffee or lettuce or any of the organic cures, i just want the critturs DEAD....hence a routine treatment with a systemic insecticide rotated with a seven/soap mixture....bugs dead dead dead, beautiful orchids unmunched....lol

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by dounoharm

whenever i get something munching on my orchids, i want it DEAD....i dont fool around with coffee or lettuce or any of the organic cures, i just want the critturs DEAD....hence a routine treatment with a systemic insecticide rotated with a seven/soap mixture....bugs dead dead dead, beautiful orchids unmunched....lol

I didn't think that insecticides had much if any effect on snails (except for some organophosphates that are also extremely toxic to mammals and so only available to licensed applicators).

[Gage]

I heard that coffee gives them a heart attack from the caffeine. I pour my leftover coffee grounds around the base of my tree, bench, and terrestrials. Seems to keep the snails away or dead.

[Gin]

I have used industrial strength coffee dregs on a big mounted plant then baited with potato or apple slices no more snails. I am referring to the little bush snails not the big ones I have seen outside ..Happy Growing