How to get rid of slugs and snails

Do you notice big holes on plant leaves with a trail of slime? This is an indication that your garden may be infested with snails and slugs.

These garden pests can wipe out your entire garden in no time. If they find a way to your garden when your plants are still seedlings, they may eat the seeds before they even get a chance to sprout. So, if you notice the signs of a snail or slug infestation, you should try to get rid of them without a delay.

Here are some useful tips to help you get rid of them:

Scratchy surfaces

Don’t create a slug-friendly environment or the pests will continue to ruin your efforts. Instead of killing them, you can use different methods to deter them from your garden.

Slugs and snails have soft bodies. Scratchy surfaces with sharp edges such as crushed eggshells, sandpaper, and diatomaceous earth can protect your plants from these pests. Sprinkle eggshells around the plants or spread sandpapers or diatomaceous earth to repel them.

Spread shells of salted nuts around your plants. The unpleasant taste and the sharp edges of shells will keep them away.

Use petroleum jelly

If you grow plants in plant pots and planters, apply a layer of petroleum jelly around their top edges and bases. Snails and slugs will find it difficult to crawl over the pots and will ultimately have no choice other than to move away from them!

Prepare a slug and snail repellent spray

You can prepare a repellent spray to eliminate slugs and snails from your garden.

Take equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake it well. Go out in your garden and directly spray the mixture over any snails or slugs in your garden. The acidic spray will quickly kill them.

You can also prepare an ammonia spray to get rid of this problem. Mix equal parts ammonia with water and transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. Use this spray to protect your plants from snails and slugs.

Clear off slime trails

When snails and slugs visit your vegetable garden in search of food, they will leave behind a trail of slime. Other slugs and snails will follow these trails. Whenever you come across such trails in your garden, wipe it off. This can stop them from visiting your garden again.

Water plants in the morning

Slugs usually visit gardens in the evening and prefer damp conditions. If you water your garden in the evening, it’s best to revise this routine.

You should rather water your plants early in the morning. By the evening, your garden will get dry and reduce the risk of slug infestation.

Raise chickens and ducks in your garden

Raising chickens and ducks in your garden offers a plethora of benefits. Aside from providing you with eggs, they will also get rid of slugs and snails for you.