378 Diseases of Greenhouse Crops 



plants. They prefer orchids and similar plants be- 

 cause they can hide in the moss and feed on the 

 fibrous roots. Carnations also are often attacked by 

 the same pest. 



Control. Tobacco dust and nicotine solutions are 

 ineffective in controlling sow bugs. Sliced pumpkin 

 treated with phosphorus rat paste is an effective 

 remedy. 



Slugs 



Slugs or snails often cause considerable damage to 

 greenhouse plants. These pests feed at night and 

 usually hide during the day. They secrete a slimy 

 mucus as they travel. By dusting the plants with 

 ashes, lime, or any caustic dust, the latter will ad- 

 here to the slime of the body, which upon drying soon 

 exhausts the creatures in their struggle to be freed. 



