As the months roll by and seasons change, you may have spotted pests appearing more and more frequently. A widespread problem many gardeners and homeowners encounter is slugs and the havoc they can wreak on plants by eating them.
Rising temperatures help speed up a slug’s metabolism and reproductive cycles, which explains why they seem to be absolutely everywhere in the garden. Combined with summer showers, this warmth creates perfect conditions for them to feast on garden plants and flowers.
As slugs develop more rapidly their hunger intensifies, meaning that your garden display can become a top target for these pests.
Though it might be tempting to head straight to the shops and purchase a chemical-based product to repel slugs, there are numerous natural alternatives which work just as well.
View 4 ImagesYou won’t need chemical deterrents to stop a slug and snail invasion in the garden this summer(Image: Getty)
Gardening and pest control specialists shared their leading natural techniques for keeping slugs away during summer with DailyExpress.co.uk, and some of them you might already have at home. If you’re battling the likes of slugs and snails in your garden, here are some of the most effective natural defences available, reports the Express.
Ryan said: “I recommend using copper tape around bin stores and planters in order to deter slugs. Slugs love damp, sheltered spaces, and in summer they can often be found around food waste bins, compost bins and recycling areas where there’s moisture, shade or small traces of organic residue too.”
When applying the tape, place a strip of copper tape around the base of bin stores, food waste caddy areas, plant pots, raised beds or any outdoor storage spots where slugs tend to congregate.
Ensure the tape forms a complete, unbroken barrier with absolutely no gaps, and keep the surrounding area free of weeds and fallen leaves that slugs could use as a bridge to bypass it.
View 4 ImagesApply a strip of copper tape to the base of bin stores and planters(Image: Getty)
Ryan continued: “Copper tape works because when a slug comes into contact with the copper, it reacts with the slime on its body and creates a sensation that they don’t like, which makes them much less likely to cross it. It’s a good option because it doesn’t involve harsh chemicals, it doesn’t injure the slug, it’s easy for households to apply, and it can be used both around vulnerable plants and around the areas that may be attracting slugs in the first place.”
Mosh agreed with Ryan’s suggestion, saying: “Copper tape is the most reliable and long-lasting natural slug deterrent available to households and it works brilliantly throughout the summer without needing to be replaced or reapplied. Slugs navigate on a layer of mucus and when they come into contact with copper, a mild electrochemical reaction occurs between the copper and their mucus that is genuinely unpleasant for them.
“They turn back rather than cross it. Stick copper tape around the rim of pots and planters, along the edges of raised beds or at the base of any structure you want to protect. Unlike coffee grounds or eggshells which wash away and need constant replenishing, copper tape stays in place all season. It costs a few pounds from any garden centre and does the job quietly and reliably without any chemicals, harm to wildlife or ongoing effort.”
Martin explained: “If I had to recommend just one natural method for deterring slugs, it would be using crushed eggshells around vulnerable plants. It’s a simple, low-cost solution that many households already have access to, and the rough, sharp texture creates a barrier that slugs are often reluctant to cross.
View 4 ImagesEggshells are a low cost option that most households have access to(Image: Getty)
“To use them effectively, allow the eggshells to dry completely before crushing them into coarse pieces and scattering them around the base of plants. You’ll need to top them up occasionally, particularly after heavy rain, but they’re an easy way to recycle kitchen waste while helping to protect young plants throughout the summer.”
James said: “Using sheep wool is my number one best natural method for deterring slugs. Slugs rely on smooth, moist surfaces to move and sheep wool will disrupt their ability to move freely around your garden. Sheep wool is dry, tangled, and uncomfortable for slugs to move across, and the wool also absorbs moisture around the base of plants, making the area less inviting to slugs.
“There are two forms of sheep wool that you can use to deter slugs, wool pellets and raw wool. The wool pellets expand when they get wet and come together to form a rough barrier, which makes them more resistant to rain. Raw wool works well when you have access to a local source, but requires you to continuously check it and replace it. You also have to lift the raw wool to make sure slugs are not sheltering underneath it.
“Sheep wool is used by placing a thick continuous ring around any plants you want to protect, ensuring there are no gaps. The barrier may need to be refreshed or fluffed every once in a while if compacted.
“Overall, sheep wool is one of the most reliable natural slug deterrents because it combines a natural physical barrier with soil-friendly benefits, making it practical for everyday summer garden use.”
Chris 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.”
Article continues below
He continued: “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.”