Three ways to control slugs organically
Find out how to control slugs organically, without using slug pellets
Love them or hate them, slugs are a part of the garden ecosystem and are a vital source of food for a wide range of wildlife further up the food chain, including frogs, toads, birds and hedgehogs. However, many of us don't have the perfect balance of predator and pest, and need to resort to alternative methods of control. That said, it's important not to harm other wildlife in the process of controlling slugs, so it's best to do this organically.
Using organic solutions to protect plants from slugs can be a battle, but by keeping vigilant and using several methods at once, it's a battle that can be won. Wet weather will always encourage slugs to attack our plants but, by getting out into the garden to regularly pick them off, together with employing physical barriers and organic traps, you can gain the upper hand.
Wet weather will always encourage slugs to attack our plants but, by getting out into the garden to regularly pick them off, together with employing physical barriers and organic traps, you should be able to win the war against these hungry molluscs
Use beer traps
Slugs seem attracted to beer and, by using a beer trap, you can lure slugs away from your vulnerable plants. Use a bespoke slug trap or a pint glass, filling it one-third with beer (ideally ale not lager). Partially bury the trap, leaving at least 1cm above the soil surface to stop other creatures falling in. The slugs will drown and can be added to your compost heap.
Use a calcium spray
Spraying plants with a protective calcium chloride solution, such as Grazers G2 Formula, seems to deter slugs and snails, while not harming any other wildlife in the process. Dedicated use can yield fantastic results, as long as you repeat applications after rain.
Use copper barriers
Slugs will not move across copper, so, by placing a copper ring around emerging shoots you will enable them to grow without being eaten. Bear in mind that, as the leaves grow, they may flop over the copper ring, and be eaten. Slugs (and snails) may also climb other plants and drop down onto the young shoots, to avoid the copper.
Tips for a slug-free garden
- Patrol your garden on wet evenings and hand-pick slugs and snails from your plants
- If slugs are a huge problem in your garden, consider growing plants they don't eat
- Be vigilant - the more often you control them, the fewer problems you'll have
- Consider digging a pond – frogs, toads and newts eat small slugs, while birds and hedgehogs will eat them, too
Other ways to control slugs and snails
Festive subscription offer
Save 51% on the shop price. Subscribe to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine today and get 6 months of free seeds for Spring 2025.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
Discover our new digital travel brochure
Whether it's a thrilling Arctic cruise or a charming getaway to historic Bath, our NEW travel brochure has exciting options for everyone.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
