Eight natural ways to deter slugs and snails

Natural ways to deter slugs and snails

Green-fingered Brits are being told how to deter snails and slugs who are starting to emerge from their winter hiding places as the weather warms up.

Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk are urging gardeners to avoid chemical solutions to get rid of slugs and snails, and have listed eight ways to deter them naturally.

There are plenty of slug and snail killers and deterrents available in shops but most of them contain toxic pesticides which can harm other wildlife and plants in our gardens.

Instead, gardeners should take a more natural approach and use household items like salt to deter the pests or incorporate plants and materials in the garden that the molluscs don’t like.

Homeowners can also try the catch and release method which involves placing a damp piece of wood in a dark corner of the garden where slugs can gather and hide, and then relocating them to a safe place away from the home.

Another clever hack is to bury an empty container so it’s level with the ground and pour some beer in it to attract and trap the snails.

Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Snails and slugs can be one of the most harmful pests for your precious garden plants.

“This is because they often go unnoticed until you go to the garden one morning and discover that your crop is ruined, with slimy trails next to it.

“With the weather warming up and spring showers expected over the following months, gardeners need to take action to ensure the slug population doesn’t take over their gardens.

“Instead of grabbing the first slug and snail deterrent from the shop, opt for more natural ways to get rid of these pests without harming the other wildlife and plants in your garden.

“You can find some of the most effective snail deterrents in your kitchen – salt, coffee grounds and eggshells are all great for keeping the slugs at bay.

“Other ways to keep the slimy pests away is to grow strongly scented plants, use the catch and release method, and create a clever trap by pouring beer into a buried container.”

Here are 8 natural ways to deter slugs and snails:

1. Eggshells

Slugs don’t like to move over sharp edges so surround your garden beds with crushed eggshells to discourage them. As a bonus, the eggshells will break down and improve the soil.

2. Coffee grounds

Sprinkling coffee grounds around your plant is an effective way to deter slugs and snails as they don’t like the strong aroma and the texture is also unpleasant for them to crawl over. Like eggshells, coffee grounds can also enrich the soil as they decompose.

3. Sand

Slugs and snails strongly dislike the feeling of sand sticking to them, so spreading sand around your plants will deter them. Additionally, sand helps the soil retain moisture.

4. Salt

Sprinkle salt near entryways to your home to prevent slugs from entering. While salt also deters slugs in the garden, avoid applying it too close to flower beds and plants.

5. Beer trap

Dig a hole and place an open container so that its rim sits level with the ground. Pour in about an inch of beer—the scent will attract slugs, causing them to crawl into the trap.

6. Catch and release

To relocate slugs, place a piece of damp wood near areas where they are commonly found. Since slugs are drawn to dark, moist environments, they will likely gather underneath it overnight. In the morning, simply collect them and release them far from your home.

7. Strongly scented plants

Consider growing strongly scented plants to effectively deter slugs and snails. Good options include lavender, rosemary, begonias, and sage. You could also consider ferns, cyclamen, hydrangea, California poppy, nasturtium and lantana.

8. Copper tape

Copper tape acts as an effective barrier to keep slugs and snails away. That’s because when they come into contact with copper, it creates a small, harmless electric charge that repels them.