Whilst some people love slugs and snails in their garden, other gardeners may loathe them.
They can cause lots of damage in the garden, such as eating and destroying crops, as well as leaving slippery, slimy trails across the paths.
They thrive in damp conditions, and whilst some people may turn to pesticides, there are “natural and affordable” methods to keep them out of your garden without “using harsh chemicals”.
Scott Evans, owner of Pink Storage, explained: “Slugs and snails may seem harmless, but they can ruin your garden overnight.
“Using natural deterrents is not only safer for wildlife but is also cheaper too.”
1. Eggshells or coffee grounds
The expert said: “Slugs can be beneficial in the garden ecosystem as they act as decomposers breaking down decaying organic matter, but you don’t want them breaking down your most expensive flowers or vegetables.
“You can stop slugs and snails from getting to your plants by creating a barrier.”
While some will use salt to kill the pests, it’s important to use more humane methods, such as using coffee grounds or crushed eggshells.
The caffeine can also act as a mild repellent, making your most valued plants a “no-go” area.
2. Natural repellents
The expert continued: “Slugs and snails use their strong sense of smell to find food, so you can use that to your advantage. One effective solution to keep them away is to create a garlic spray.
“Garlic cloves can be purchased at your local supermarket for around 65p, and you can crush a few cloves and mix them with water to create a natural deterrent.
“You can spray this mixture onto your plant leaves and soil, but the pungent aroma is unpleasant, causing slugs and snails to stay away.
“If you don’t want to create your own spray, then you can simply scatter citrus peels around the garden. The strong scent of orange and lemon peels will enrich the soil as they break down and act as a natural deterrent.”
3. Preventative measures
It’s always much easier to implement preventative measures to keep the pests away rather than deal with them once they arrive.
Slugs and snails thrive in damp environments, so if you have any tools left out in the garden, storing them indoors may help.
The expert noted: “Trowels, shovels, gardening forks or even watering cans, when left outside, can collect moisture, making it a perfect hiding spot for slugs to hide; if you have room, try to store them indoors and keep them clean.
“Leaving these tools outside creates a shelter for these pests to survive as they often hide underneath them to stop themselves from drying out in the sun.”
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