Sasha CampbellIf you grow fruit trees like plums, pears, cherries, or apricots, and you see the leaves turning brown and shriveling, you could have a pear slug problem.
Despite their name, these pests aren’t true slugs but rather the larvae of a type of sawfly. They can damage leaves quickly, weakening plants.
The good news is that you don’t need harsh chemicals to manage them. There are several natural methods you can use to control pear slugs.
Identification
Pear slugs, also known as cherry slugs, are the larvae of the pear sawfly (Caliroa cerasi).
The larvae are small, dark green to orange in color. They are also covered in shiny slime. All of that gives them a slug-like appearance.
As they feed, they rasp away the soft green tissue from the tops of leaves, leaving behind only the tough, clear veins. In large numbers, pear slugs can skeletonize a tree’s foliage.
These pests are drawn to fruit trees such as pears, cherries, plums, apricots, and quinces. However, they will also attack cotoneasters, hawthorns, and other ornamental shrubs [1].
How to Get Rid of Pear Slugs Naturally
Below are some of the best natural remedies for getting rid of pear slugs.
1. Insecticidal Soap
One of the gentlest natural options for controlling pear slugs is insecticidal soap. It works by penetrating the soft outer layer of these pests, killing them.
The key to using it effectively is direct contact. Spray it onto the critters.
2. Neem Oil
Neem oil is another natural remedy that works well against pear slugs. It functions both as a repellent and a growth regulator.
To use it, mix two tablespoons of oil in a gallon of water. You can also add one tablespoon of organic liquid soap to the solution.
Spray it thoroughly on the affected plants. As with insecticidal soap, coverage is crucial for success.
This neem oil solution will kill pear slugs. When pear slugs come into contact with it, it disrupts their feeding patterns. They will eventually die.
Neem also has the added benefit of protecting against fungal issues. Therefore, it can help your fruit trees and roses in more ways than one.
3. Spinosad
Spinosad has become a popular choice among organic gardeners. It is effective against a wide range of chewing pests, including pear sawfly larvae.
Once the pests come in contact with it, it causes paralysis and death [2]. Apply it as a foliar spray, focusing on leaves that show signs of pear slug damage.
However, although it is considered safe for most beneficial insects, it can harm bees if sprayed directly on them. Therefore, apply this treatment in the early morning when bees are less active.
4. Hose Them
Sometimes the most straightforward method works best.
Pear slugs cling to leaves. However, they can be dislodged with a strong blast of water from the hose.
This knocks them to the ground, making them vulnerable to predators. You can also stomp on them to kill them.
Repeating this method every few days during the peak of infestation can significantly reduce their numbers.
5. Wood Ash
Gardeners have long relied on wood ash for various purposes. It works as a natural deterrent for soft-bodied pests.
The fine, dry particles absorb moisture and irritate the slimy coating that pear slugs depend on to protect themselves.
Sprinkle a light dusting of wood ash over the affected leaves. This home remedy will also kill pear slugs.
After these slug caterpillars crawl through it, they will shrivel up and die.
6. Horticultural Oil
Horticultural oil works by smothering pear slugs. It is safe to use on fruit trees and roses when applied correctly.
Mix according to the instructions provided with the product. Next, spray it on the affected leaves of your plants.
7. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is another effective way to fight pear slugs. The particles are sharp and jagged, which makes them lethal to soft-bodied insects.
However, be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth.
When pear slugs crawl across diatomaceous earth, it scratches their bodies. It will also absorb their protective slime, leading to dehydration.
To use, dust DE on the leaves where the pests are feeding. Reapply after rain or watering.
You can also use it to make a homemade pear slug spray. The recipe calls for two tablespoons of diatomaceous earth mixed in one gallon of water.
Shake well and spray your plants. Keep shaking it up as you go along, as the DE settles at the bottom of the water.
8. Garden Lime
Garden lime is often used to adjust soil acidity. However, you can also use it as a pear slug deterrent.
Like ash and diatomaceous earth, its powdery texture will desiccate the larvae. Therefore, dust your trees with some garden lime.
As with other dusting methods, you’ll need to reapply it regularly, especially after rainfall.
9. Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators is an organic pear sawfly control remedy. Insect-eating birds, lacewings, and paper wasps all feed on pear slug sawfly caterpillars [3].
To make your garden more inviting to these helpers, provide habitat such as hedges, flowering plants, or a small birdbath.
Additionally, avoid using broad-spectrum chemical pesticides. These chemicals kill both beneficial and pest insects.
Takeaway
Pear slugs can be frustrating, especially when they skeletonize your fruit trees. However, with persistence and a combination of natural methods, you can keep them in check.
As you can see, there are plenty of safe ways to protect your plants.
You can try easy solutions, such as using water to spray them away. For a more strategic approach, neem oil works well, and you can also invite natural predators.
Explore these natural remedies to see which ones work best for your situation.
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