PEST

NAME
Common Slater
Porcellio scaber

ORDER
Isopoda

FAMILY
Porcellionidae

Description of the Pest
Slaters are crustaceans; they are in the phylum Arthropodaand are related to prawns. They breathe through gills, which they must keep moist - therefore they favour dark, moist conditions. They feed on decaying vegetation. Slaters are oval in shape and relatively flat, their bodies appearing as a series of scale-like segments, with four or five pairs of jointed legs.

Adults are about 10-15mm long. They have a pair of tail-like appendages, and prominent antennae. Unlike the pillbug, with which they are often confused, theycannot roll up into a ball.

     

Appearance of the Pest
Slaters can be found in the leaf litter, compost heaps, and in most moist, sheltered locations. They are nocturnal and often go unnoticed, until their positions are disturbed. Adults live for two years; females can produce up to 60 young in up to three broods annually.

Period of Activity
All year round in temperate climates and under appropriate conditions.

Susceptible Plants
Slaters feed on decaying vegetable matter, but may also attack seedlings or the young roots of epiphytic plants (eg stag-horns, orchids etc). They may also attack the roots of plants that are already damaged. Slaters may be spread by transport of infested plants, compost or leaf litter.

Damage Caused
Slaters may actually have a beneficial effect, in recycling dead material. However, in conservatories, shade-houses, out-houses, and similar damp, moist habitats, they can damage seedlings and roots at the base of plants.

Control
Remove breeding sites by:

•      clearing rotten timber, decaying garden borders, infested leaf litter, etc); and
  
  •      raising plants off the ground to improve air circulation and reduce moisture.
          Snail Bait (Methiocarb) will also deter slaters.
    Note
    Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.