Gardeners being plagued by slugs have been warned the problem is only set to get worse.
Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress has shared his concerns regarding this year’s slug plague after a mild Winter and rainy Spring.
According to the Met Office, this year’s winter was milder than average with overall temperatures across England and Wales being higher than usual.
By the end of May we also saw more rainfall than usual with the Met Office recording 82.5mm, 116% of the typical May rainfall.
Paired together, these weather conditions have created the perfect climate for slugs and snails to thrive and take over our gardens.
Chris Bonnett said: “Slugs and snails love humid and damp conditions and so far the weather this year has been perfect for them.
“We’ve had a much milder Winter than usual and our Spring so far has been pretty wet.
“Gardeners will have noticed there are plenty more slugs and snails about, destroying all of their hard work and the truth is, it’s unlikely to get better any time soon.”
Bonnet also warns that the current heatwave could do more harm than good.
“The heat wave could temporarily eliminate our slug problem, but in the UK rainfall is always just around the corner and if we experience some showers soon after the sunny spells it will only bring back the perfect humidity for slugs and snails,” said Chris.
He continued: “It’s likely that they’ll come back with a ravenous appetite, wreaking havoc on our gardens.”
Chris shared some easy ways to deter slugs away from plants and flowers using kitchen cupboard staples.
He said: “If you’re looking for a product to help slug barrier granules are your best option. Just make sure they are safe to use around children and wildlife before purchasing.
“There are a few other cheap and cheerful ways to keep slugs away from your plants, one of them being egg shells.
“Creating a border using cracked egg shells will prevent slugs from getting too close to any flowers. You can also do this with coffee grounds.
“Left over beer is another option too, slugs and snails love beer, it’s great for attracting and killing them. To create your own beer trap, fill up a small tub with beer and place it in between your plants overnight.
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
