{"id":1300,"date":"2023-04-11T20:50:56","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T20:50:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/?p=1300"},"modified":"2023-06-27T21:07:34","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T21:07:34","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Get Rid of Slugs in Your Garden &#8211; Tips To Remove and Prevent"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re experiencing a problem with slugs in your garden, you&#8217;re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will provide you with multiple strategies to get rid of these slimy pests and help you restore the health and vibrancy of your plants. Let&#8217;s dive right in.<\/p>\n<p>Slugs are common pests in many gardens across the UK. While they play an important role in the ecosystem by decomposing plant material, an overpopulation of slugs can wreak havoc on your plants, decimating your crops, and spoiling your ornamental plants.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#What_Are_Slugs\" title=\"What Are Slugs?\">What Are Slugs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#How_to_Get_Rid_of_Slugs_in_Your_Garden\" title=\"How to Get Rid of Slugs in Your Garden\">How to Get Rid of Slugs in Your Garden<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#1_Handpicking\" title=\"1. Handpicking\">1. Handpicking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#2_Barriers_and_Repellents\" title=\"2. Barriers and Repellents\">2. Barriers and Repellents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#3_Natural_Predators\" title=\"3. Natural Predators\">3. Natural Predators<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#4_Use_a_Beer_Trap\" title=\"4. Use a Beer Trap\">4. Use a Beer Trap<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#5_Organic_Slug_Pellets\" title=\"5. Organic Slug Pellets\">5. Organic Slug Pellets<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#Can_slugs_harm_my_plants\" title=\"Can slugs harm my plants?\">Can slugs harm my plants?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#What_attracts_slugs_to_my_garden\" title=\"What attracts slugs to my garden?\">What attracts slugs to my garden?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#Are_slugs_dangerous\" title=\"Are slugs dangerous?\">Are slugs dangerous?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#When_are_slugs_most_active\" title=\"When are slugs most active?\">When are slugs most active?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#Prevention_The_Best_Cure\" title=\"Prevention: The Best Cure\">Prevention: The Best Cure<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#1_Regular_Cleaning\" title=\"1. Regular Cleaning:\">1. Regular Cleaning:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#2_Watering_Schedule\" title=\"2. Watering Schedule:\">2. Watering Schedule:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#3_Plant_Selection\" title=\"3. Plant Selection:\">3. Plant Selection:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#4_Crop_Rotation\" title=\"4. Crop Rotation:\">4. Crop Rotation:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs_Continued\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Continued\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Continued<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#How_long_do_slugs_live\" title=\"How long do slugs live?\">How long do slugs live?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#Are_there_any_plants_that_slugs_avoid\" title=\"Are there any plants that slugs avoid?\">Are there any plants that slugs avoid?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs-in-garden\/#How_can_I_attract_slug_predators_to_my_garden\" title=\"How can I attract slug predators to my garden?\">How can I attract slug predators to my garden?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Slugs\"><\/span>What Are Slugs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rspb.org.uk\/birds-and-wildlife\/wildlife-guides\/other-garden-wildlife\/insects-and-other-invertebrates\/worms-slugs-spiders\/slug\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Slugs<\/a> are small, slow-moving creatures that are part of the mollusk family. They&#8217;re similar to snails, but they lack the characteristic shell. They have a preference for moist and shady areas and are most active at night or on cloudy, rainy days. They can cause severe damage to a variety of plants by feeding on leaves, fruits, vegetables, and young plant bark.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Get_Rid_of_Slugs_in_Your_Garden\"><\/span>How to Get Rid of Slugs in Your Garden<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Handpicking\"><\/span>1. Handpicking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the most direct ways to control a slug population is by handpicking them. Although it might not be the most appealing method, it&#8217;s quite effective, especially for smaller gardens. To do this, go out at dusk or dawn with a torch and a bucket of soapy water. Simply pick the slugs off the plants and drop them into the bucket.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Barriers_and_Repellents\"><\/span>2. Barriers and Repellents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Slugs dislike crossing certain types of materials. Creating barriers around your plants using copper tape, crushed eggshells, or diatomaceous earth can deter slugs. Slugs receive an unpleasant electric shock when they come into contact with copper, while the sharp edges of eggshells and diatomaceous earth can injure and kill them.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Natural_Predators\"><\/span>3. Natural Predators<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Encourage natural predators such as hedgehogs, birds, frogs, and ground beetles to inhabit your garden as they&#8217;re excellent slug hunters. You can attract these creatures by providing habitats like a small pond for frogs or a log pile for beetles.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Use_a_Beer_Trap\"><\/span>4. Use a Beer Trap<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Slugs are attracted to the smell of yeast. Bury a shallow container so the rim is level with the ground and fill it with beer or a yeast-water-sugar solution. Slugs will be lured into the trap and drown.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Organic_Slug_Pellets\"><\/span>5. Organic Slug Pellets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Organic slug pellets that contain iron phosphate can be a safe and effective solution. They are harmless to pets, wildlife, and the environment.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_slugs_harm_my_plants\"><\/span><strong>Can slugs harm my plants?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, slugs can cause significant damage to both edible crops and ornamental plants. They eat leaves, stems, roots, tubers, and fruits, leaving behind irregular holes and a slimy trail.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_attracts_slugs_to_my_garden\"><\/span><strong>What attracts slugs to my garden?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Slugs are attracted to areas that are moist and provide good cover. They are especially fond of decaying plant matter and are drawn to gardens with plenty of compost and <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/what-is-mulch\/\">mulch<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_slugs_dangerous\"><\/span><strong>Are slugs dangerous?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Slugs are not dangerous in a traditional sense; they do not bite or sting. However, they can cause significant harm to your garden plants. Additionally, some species can carry parasites and diseases, although this is rare.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_are_slugs_most_active\"><\/span><strong>When are slugs most active?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Slugs are nocturnal creatures, so they are most active at night. You might also see them early in the morning or on rainy days.<\/p>\n<p>In conclusion, while slugs can be quite a nuisance in the garden, with a little time and effort, they can be managed effectively. The key is to remain vigilant and consistent in your efforts, whether that&#8217;s through handpicking, creating barriers, inviting natural predators, using beer traps, or applying organic slug pellets. Remember, a healthy and well-maintained garden is always the best defense against any kind of pest invasion.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention_The_Best_Cure\"><\/span>Prevention: The Best Cure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve managed to reduce or eliminate the slug population in your garden, the best course of action is to prevent them from reoccurring. Here are a few preventative measures you can employ:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Regular_Cleaning\"><\/span>1. Regular Cleaning:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Keeping the garden clean and tidy by removing dead leaves and debris regularly will help to eliminate slug hiding spots.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Watering_Schedule\"><\/span>2. Watering Schedule:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Water your plants early in the morning so the soil has a chance to dry out before nightfall when slugs are most active.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Plant_Selection\"><\/span>3. Plant Selection:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Choose plants that are less attractive to slugs such as geraniums, roses, or lavender.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Crop_Rotation\"><\/span>4. Crop Rotation:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Change where you plant your crops each year. This practice can help to break the cycle of slug infestation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the grand scheme of things, slugs are just one small challenge in the rewarding journey of gardening. If you are patient and persistent, these slimy invaders will become less of a menace, and you&#8217;ll continue to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Happy gardening!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs_Continued\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Continued<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_do_slugs_live\"><\/span><strong>How long do slugs live?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The lifespan of a slug varies depending on the species and environmental conditions, but typically, they can live for 1 to 5 years.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_there_any_plants_that_slugs_avoid\"><\/span><strong>Are there any plants that slugs avoid?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, slugs typically avoid plants with tough, leathery leaves or those with strong scents. Examples include lavender, rosemary, and geraniums.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_attract_slug_predators_to_my_garden\"><\/span><strong>How can I attract slug predators to my garden?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To attract birds, provide bird feeders or a birdbath in your garden. A compost heap or a pile of logs can provide shelter for beetles and frogs. For hedgehogs, leave some areas of your garden wild, with piles of leaves and logs to provide a desirable habitat.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, your gardening efforts are not just about maintaining beauty but also about encouraging a vibrant and balanced ecosystem. Let&#8217;s keep our fingers green and our gardens slug-free!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re experiencing a problem with slugs in your garden, you&#8217;re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will provide you with multiple strategies to get rid of these slimy pests and help you restore the health and vibrancy of your plants. Let&#8217;s dive right in. Slugs are common pests in many gardens across the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1301,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1300"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1300"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1300\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1306,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1300\/revisions\/1306"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1301"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1300"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1300"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1300"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}