Slugs are some of the slowest garden pests, but surprisingly, we never see them coming. These critters are most active at night and in moist conditions, feeding on leaves, stems, fruits, and even seedlings. If you notice slugs in your garden, take immediate action lest they chew up most of your plants or transmit fungal spores and bacterial pathogens that spread like wildfire.
Luckily, there are many tried and tested strategies effective against these pests. Here, you’ll learn four methods recommended by experts to keep your garden slug-free.
- Creating Slug Barriers
The right barriers can stop slugs from feasting on your plants and cause big losses.
Types of Physical Barriers
Several types of physical barriers can effectively prevent stop slugs from invading your garden beds, including:
- Copper Barriers
Slugs hate copper because their slime reacts with it to create a harmless electric shock. Place about 2-inch wide copper strips around your garden beds or containers to stop them from destroying your crops.
- Eggshells
Crushed eggshells have sharp edges that prick slugs whenever they crawl over them. Scatter eggshells around the base of plants or garden beds.
- Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance made from the fossilised remains of tiny aquatic organisms. Its microscopic particles have sharp edges that cut through the slug’s body which causes dehydration and death. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around your garden and reapply after rainfall for effective results.
Effective Materials for Constructing Barriers
The right materials will ensure your barrier works effectively against slugs. Adhesive-backed copper tape is ideal for copper barriers to deter slugs from your plants. Ensure the tape is wide enough to make it visible.
Similarly, plastic netting or fine mesh screens are durable, affordable, and readily available at garden stores and are suitable materials for physical fences. However, ensure the mesh size is small enough so that slugs don’t squeeze through.
If you want natural-looking materials, use wooden boards or planks and ensure they’re tightly secured to create a solid barrier.
- Using Natural Predators
Nature has a way of maintaining balance, and when it comes to slugs, frogs, toads, lizards, and certain snakes, find them tasty. Ground beetles also have an appetite for slugs and their eggs, while birds like ducks and chickens consider them a refreshing snack.
You must create a balanced ecosystem in your garden to maintain a healthy predator-prey relationship and keep the pest population in check. Use rock and log piles or small ponds to shelter and water frogs and toads. Similarly, planting native flowering plants can attract predatory wasps while leaving patches of bare soil or mulch-free areas near slugs-prone plants attracts ground beetles.
Using natural predators is a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach that controls slug infestation and fosters a balanced ecosystem.
- Organic Slug Control Methods
Organic slug control products offer a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based solutions. They prioritise the health of your garden’s ecosystem and the surrounding wildlife, along with their handlers, while effectively fighting slugs. The Nemaslug Slug Killer from Green Gardener is a perfect example of a biological control method that uses microscopic nematodes, naturally occurring organisms that target slugs and their eggs. This product is an excellent choice for organic gardeners since it’s safe for children, pets, and wildlife.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, DIY remedies like the beer trap can be an effective solution against slugs. Simply bury a shallow dish or container in the ground and fill it with beer. Slugs are usually attracted to the yeast in beer, crawl in, and ultimately drown.
- Proper Garden Maintenance
Good garden hygiene is crucial for deterring slugs as they’re attracted to dumping and decaying matter for food and shelter. Keep your garden clean and free from excessive moisture by removing fallen leaves, dead plant material, and other debris. You should also clear any vegetation or tall grass near your garden perimeter as they allow slugs to sneak into your garden beds.
Inspect your garden regularly to detect any presence of slugs before they become a serious problem. Look for slime trails, chewed leaves, or signs of feeding damage and take immediate action before they destroy your plants.
Slug-Proof Your Garden
Maintaining a slug-free garden requires patience, consistency, and adaptability. Be sure to experiment with different strategies and adjust your approach based on what your garden needs. With time, you’ll discover the perfect balance that works for you.
