Gardening expert details natural ways to deal with slugs
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Slugs cause a lot of damage in your garden – leaving irregular-shaped holes in leaves, stems, flowers, tubers and bulbs. They also leave silvery slimy trails behind wherever they move. Controlling slugs can be difficult, but Express.co.uk has compiled a list of six tricks to get rid of slugs in your garden.
How to get rid of slugs
Organic slug pellets
Slug control can be a tricky business but organic slug pellets are approved as a way to get rid of slugs.
If you scatter the pellets on the soil as soon as you see them, you can hopefully avoid them before they wreak too much havoc with your plants.
Use copper barriers
Slugs cannot cross copper barriers as they experience an “electric shock” when they try.
If you use a copper barrier around the plant, you can effectively protect your plants.
In addition, use copper tape around the rim of pots to prevent slugs from climbing up your potted plants.
Water in biological controls
Microscopic nematodes work by infecting slugs with bacteria.
This goes on to kill the slugs and are an effective biological control which is watered into the soil.
You should try to apply these controls in the evenings when the soil is warm and moist, from spring onwards.
DON’T MISS
Gardening expert shares jam jar hack to trap and kill slugs and snails [INSIGHT]
Seven easy tips to get rid of clothes moths [EXPLAINER]
Australia at risk of food shortages as mice destroy farmers crops [PICTURES]
Allow slugs to eat bran
Slugs enjoy eating bran a lot and therefore tend to eat too much of it.
This in turn causes them to bloat and become dehydrated which slows them down.
Birds can then easily eat the slugs and remove these pests from your garden.
Use grit as mulch
Mulch is an important part of gardening and helps retain moisture with your plants and protect them from critters.
Slugs do not like horticultural grit and find it difficult to travel over.
If you add mulch to the base of plants in the ground and in pots, you can help deter slugs as well as keeping your compost moist.
Use beer
Slugs are attracted to the smell of cheap beer.
You can create a slug trap by pouring some beer into a container into the ground, with the rim just above soil level.
Fill the container halfway with beer and then cover it with a loose lid to stop other creatures from falling in.
Make sure to check the pot regularly to remove any fallen slugs.
Source: Read Full Article