While pesticides can be effective at removing snails and slugs, it could be viewed as a rather cruel way to get rid of them.
Should you be looking for a more humane way to remove slugs from eating your plants, then one Reddit user can help.
“I used coffee grounds and it worked pretty well for me,” the Reddit user commented.
“I applied, then reapplied every few days or after it rained. After three or four applications my slug sightings and damage ended.”
The Reddit contributor elaborated: “I have a toddler and a dog so I try to avoid anything that has any possible chance of hurting them.”
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), however, is less convinced on the effectiveness of coffee grounds.
“The evidence for coffee grounds’ ability to repel ants and slugs is poor,” the RHS said. “The same applies to myths about eggshells, grit, pumice, and many other products.”
Another Reddit contributor stated: “I sprinkle slug pellets around my plants. It works perfectly.”
Somebody else posted: “Wood ash actually works really well for me. I do have naturally very acidic soil, though, and apply a lot of it directly to the top of the soil.”
What does the RHS suggest?
Entomologist and Lead Researcher, Hayley Jones – on behalf of the RHS – advised against slug pellets. Jones explained: “Slug pellets (even organic ones) have been shown to have negative effects on wildlife in the garden.
“It is much better to encourage natural predators and use the cultural and biological control methods.” Natural predators to encourage in the garden include birds, frogs, toads, hedgehogs, slow worms and beetles.
The RHS recommended: “Transplant sturdy plantlets grown in pots rather than young vulnerable seedlings. Transplants can be given some protection with cloches.”
Woody plants are also less palatable to slugs, or those with thick or waxy leaves.
