How to Get Rid of Slugs

Slugs are one of the most frustrating garden pests. They can devastate seedlings overnight and ruin hostas, dahlias and vegetables. Here are the most effective ways to control them.

Understanding slugs

Slugs are most active at night and in damp conditions. They hide during the day under pots, stones, debris and in the soil. Most damage happens in spring when plants are young and tender, and in autumn when conditions are moist.

Physical barriers

• Copper tape: Wrap around pots and raised beds. Slugs get a mild electric shock when they touch it.
• Wool pellets: Create a scratchy barrier that slugs avoid. Also add nutrients as they break down.
• Grit and eggshells: Sharp materials around plants may deter slugs, though effectiveness varies.
• Cloches: Protect individual plants with cut-off plastic bottles.

Traps

• Beer traps: Sink a container into the soil and fill with cheap beer. Slugs are attracted, fall in and drown. Empty and refill regularly.
• Grapefruit halves: Place upturned on the soil. Slugs shelter underneath and can be collected in the morning.
• Damp cardboard or planks: Slugs hide underneath. Check daily and dispose of any you find.

Biological control

Nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita) are microscopic worms that infect and kill slugs. You water them onto the soil in spring and autumn when the soil is warm and moist.

• Effective against soil-dwelling slugs.
• Safe for children, pets and wildlife.
• Need to be reapplied every 6 weeks during the growing season.
• Work best when soil temperature is above 5°C.

Slug pellets

Traditional metaldehyde pellets are now banned in the UK. Ferric phosphate pellets are still available and are safer for wildlife, though they should still be used sparingly.

• Scatter thinly – a few pellets go a long way.
• Reapply after rain.
• Keep away from ponds and water courses.

Encourage predators

Many creatures eat slugs. Make your garden welcoming to:

• Hedgehogs: Leave gaps in fences, provide log piles for shelter.
• Frogs and toads: Create a pond or damp area.
• Ground beetles: Leave undisturbed areas and log piles.
• Thrushes and blackbirds: Provide cover and avoid pesticides.

Cultural controls

• Water in the morning: The soil surface dries by evening, making it less attractive to slugs.
• Clear debris: Remove hiding places like old pots, bricks and piles of leaves.
• Grow plants on: Start seedlings in pots and plant out when larger and tougher.
• Choose resistant plants: Slugs avoid hairy, tough or aromatic leaves.

Plants slugs avoid

If slugs are a major problem, consider growing more of these:

• Ferns, grasses, astilbe, geraniums
• Lavender, rosemary, foxgloves
• Euphorbia, sedum, aquilegia