Slugs — how to protect your garden effectively and humanely

Slugs — most effective protection without poisoning your garden

One warm rainy night and half the seedlings disappear. Slugs work at night and can travel great distances searching for food.

Why slug pellets are a problem:
Metaldehyde (substance in many pellets) is toxic to hedgehogs, birds, dogs and cats. It also destroys natural slug predators. Iron phosphate (green pellets) is safer — if you must use them.

Effective non-chemical methods:

1. Beer traps
Bury a cup up to the rim in soil, pour in some beer. Slugs fall in attracted by fermentation. Empty every morning.

2. Mechanical barriers
Sawdust, wood ash, crushed eggshells, sharp gravel around beds. Slugs avoid sharp and rough surfaces. Replenish after rain.

3. Copper tape
Copper reacts with slug slime and deters them. Wrap around pot edges or raised bed borders.

4. Hand picking in the evening
Most effective method during heavy infestations. With a flashlight after sunset or at dawn. Drop into bucket with salt or soapy water.

5. Ducks and hedgehogs
Best biocontrol in the world. Attract hedgehogs — don't use poisons that kill them.

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