Chumasande MatiwaneWhile garden slugs can play an important role in the ecosystem, they can be quite destructive to your precious plants. These pests are known for creating unsightly holes in the leaves of tender plants.
Instead of resorting to lethal methods, there are effective ways to manage and eliminate slugs in your garden.
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Effective methods for controlling slugs
Their appetites are as big as their capability to damage leaves within hours. However, with these methods, you can control them and save your garden.
Start growing a plant they don’t like
Slugs are particular eaters, preferring plants that suit their tastes. Fortunately, there are some garden plants that slugs generally avoid, helping to protect your garden from the unsightly holes they create. Slugs tend to stay away from herbs with highly aromatic leaves, such as lavender, mint, and sage. By planting these herbs, you can effectively deter these destructive slimy creatures.
Create an unfavourable environment
Slugs thrive in moist, shady areas of the garden, often hiding under leaves, logs, and other debris. To make your garden less inviting for them, it’s important to practice good housekeeping by removing plant debris and dead leaves. During autumn, be sure to clean your garden regularly, as this is when slugs begin to lay their eggs. Keeping your garden tidy will minimize their space to reproduce.
Read more: 10 ways to get rid of slugs for good
Pick by hand
This option is not suitable for those easily disgusted, but it can be quite effective if done regularly. Whenever you encounter a slug or snail, pick it up by hand and dispose of it. Since slugs tend to hide during the day, you’ll have more success handpicking them early in the morning.
Add eggshells in the garden
Crushed eggshells are an easy, natural, and cost-effective way to deter slugs in the garden. Slugs dislike moving over sharp and rough surfaces, making crushed eggshells a great natural deterrent. Simply sprinkle the crushed shells around your plants to create a protective barrier that can help save your leaves.
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