With an insatiable appetite for seedlings, plants, fruits and vegetables, slugs can be a serious pest for any keen gardener.
Slug pellets were previously the go-to method for many people hoping to rid gardens of the pests.
However, these have been outlawed in the UK today amid fears metaldehyde – the key compound that kills slugs – can poison other animals such as hedgehogs, birds and dogs that eat the pests.
Thankfully, there are several other ways to control slugs in your garden. From beer traps to copper tape, here’s a look at the 10 most effective methods.
From beer traps to copper tape, here’s a look at the 10 most effective methods to control slugs in your garden
To make a slug beer trap (pictured), dig a hole in the garden, fill it with a container full of beer (preferably lager) and wait for the slugs to slip in. Don’t forget to empty the trap regularly
1. Beer traps
Experts from horticultural charity Garden Organic say that slugs’ love of lager makes the drink the tastiest way to trap them.
Slugs are 64 times more likely to be caught in a trap containing lager than water, an experiment by the charity found.
Bitter is 53 times more effective than water and the gastropods will go for any beer brand, researchers found. But they will reject other alcohol including red and white wines, Cava and cider.
Garden Organic’s findings came from 166 citizen scientists sinking glasses containing the different drinks below the soil surface with only the brim sticking out, for its ‘slug pub’ research project.
‘Slugs love lager,’ said Emma O’Neill, the charity’s head gardener.
‘Many gardeners know that slugs are confirmed lager louts and their love of this tipple can certainly distract them from your plants. The smell of lager and bitter really seems to attract them.’
2. Copper tape
Copper tape is also considered to be a natural slug repellent.
‘The mucus they secrete from their body (their slime) reacts with the metal, producing a tiny electric shock,’ Rentokil explained.
Copper tape is also considered to be a natural slug repellent. ‘The mucus they secrete from their body (their slime) reacts with the metal, producing a tiny electric shock,’ Rentokil explained
Simply place copper tape around the rim of your plant pots to act as a deterrent for slugs.
‘For copper tape to remain effective against slugs then it needs to be cleaned regularly with vinegar to avoid tarnishing,’ Rentokil added.
3. Crushed eggshells
While it might seem unusual, crushed eggshells can make an effective barrier to slugs, when sprinkled on the ground around plants.
‘The idea is that the barrier either dries out the slime that the slugs move on or that it irritates them so they will not cross it,’ RSPB explained.
‘Their effectiveness must inevitably be weather dependent, but they may be worth trying, especially under cloches. Make a smooth seedbed type surface before applying a good layer of the material, a few inches wide.’
The same effect can be achieved with coffee grounds.
While it might seem unusual, crushed eggshells can make an effective barrier to slugs, sprinkled on the ground around plants
4. Alternative feeding
Offering an alternative food supply to slugs can deter them from going for your more prized plants.
RSPB advises laying lettuce or cabbage leaves out between the plants.
‘The slugs tend to collect under these leaves to feed and shelter, so examine them regularly and remove any that you find,’ it said.
‘Another idea is to sow a sacrificial crop of something that slugs love, such as brassica or lettuce. Hoe this off while small and leave the hoeings in situ around the transplants.’
5. Nematode worms
Microscopic worms, called nematodes, occur naturally in soil and seek out and kill slugs by reproducing in them.
Nematodes are now being cultivated, and are available as biological control agents under the trademark Nemaslug.
‘The nematodes are mixed into water and applied with a watering can to the area requiring protection,’ RSPB said.
‘They remain active for up to six weeks.
‘The nematodes are slug specific and do not control snails.’
6. Protective cloches
It might sound obvious, but placing a DIY cloche over your plants can make sure they’re not targeted by slugs.
‘Disposable plastic drinks bottles, with the bottoms cut off and the screw tops removed, make excellent individual protective cloches for young transplants,’ RSPB said.
‘Check for the first few days after transplanting that a slug hasn’t been trapped inside the bottle.’
7. Grapefruit traps
Empty grapefruit rinds can serve as excellent traps for slugs, which are big fans of citrus.
Empty grapefruit rinds can serve as excellent traps for slugs, which are big fans of citrus
Rentokil advises: ‘Place a couple of empty grapefruit rinds upside down on the ground, making sure there is enough clearance for a slug to enter.
‘The grapefruit rind provides slugs with food, and a damp environment to hide. Leave overnight and dispose of any slugs caught in the morning.’
8. Avoid susceptible plants
While it might seem defeatist, if slugs can’t get enough of a certain plant, you might have to give up on it.
‘Gardeners too often want to grow things that aren’t suited to their site. In the case of plants that are very susceptible to slugs, this isn’t really worth the effort,’ RSPB said.
‘If, for example, the slugs get more out of your hostas each year than you do, the answer is to give up on the hostas and try something else.
‘Alternatively, these plants can be grown in rough wooden tubs or terracotta pots, out of the reach of slugs.’
Astrantia gives off a scent that repels slugs. Other plants which deter slugs include wormwood (pictured), rue, fennel, anise and rosemary.
9. Plant slug repelling plants
Several plants are believed to be natural repellents for slugs.
‘When wondering how to get rid of slugs, a gentle method is to use plants which deter them and act as a natural pesticide,’ The English Garden said.
‘This way, you can keep slugs at bay without chemicals.
‘Astrantia gives off a scent that repels slugs. Other plants which deter slugs include wormwood, rue, fennel, anise and rosemary.’
Whether it’s fresh or powdered, seaweed is a great home remedy for slugs – and has the added bonus of being good for your soil
10. Sprinkle seaweed around your plants
Whether it’s fresh or powdered, seaweed is a great home remedy for slugs – and has the added bonus of being good for your soil.
‘Seaweed is a slug deterrent due to its salt content,’ Hedgehog Street explained.
‘Use plenty of dried seaweed around the base of your plants, being careful for it not to touch the plant stems.
‘The sharp texture will also make it difficult for slugs to move over.’
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