How to Get Rid of Snails and Slugs
The most likely type of snails in your garden are brown garden snails, commonly referred to as ordinary garden snails. While these are typically entirely harmless to humas, their eating habits have the potential to terrorize and destroy an entire garden. Although there isn’t a comprehensive cure for a snail infestation, there are various ways to get rid of snails in the garden and to kill snails easily. Once you have got rid of snails in the garden try some practical deterrents to keep snails away from your plants and prevent future infestations
Why are snails a problem in the garden?
Snails pose a threat to almost all plants since they adore anything and anything leafy and green, from ripening fruits, flowers, young seedlings and even compost. Spring through to Autumn are the seasons you’re more likely to see these critters, as they thrive in warm, damp conditions, so these are the perfect times to launch a snail prevention operation.
How to know if snails are eating your plants?
Other than the obvious silky shiny trails left by slugs and snails one can identify snail damage by looking for large ragged or chewed-looking holes on blooms and foliage of plants. The lower leaves of plants are typically the first to be eaten and often seedlings can be completely striped of their foliage overnight.
Remember snails are nocturnal so mostly snail damage is done overnight in the dark. This is also the best time to spot and physically remove snails from the garden, especially after rain.
Natural and organic ways to get rid of snails in the garden:
Embarking on a journey to maintain the health and beauty of your garden often involves dealing with unwelcome guests, such as snails, that can cause significant damage to your plants. While there are numerous methods to tackle this issue, more and more gardeners are leaning towards natural and organic solutions. These methods not only effectively reduce snail populations but also ensure the safety of your garden’s ecosystem, including beneficial insects, pets, and even children who may explore your garden. In this section, we’ll delve into a variety of eco-friendly and sustainable strategies to keep snails at bay, ensuring your garden remains a thriving, vibrant space without resorting to harsh chemicals. Join us as we explore the gentle yet effective ways to reclaim the health of your garden naturally.
Use course textures to get rid of snails in the garden.
Snails don’t like crossing course and sharp textured borders, so physical boarders in the garden using prickly and course materials is a perfect solution to help protect plants from snail damage.
Surround sensitive plants with sharp pebbles, grit, nutshells, eggshells, and prickly cuttings or sprigs of thorny plant material.
Use physical barriers to deter snails from your favourite plants.
There are various materials one could use as barriers to protect plants from snails.
Copper wire or copper tape is one of the most effective snail deterrents. The copper reacts with slime of snails and slugs this creates an electric charge that deters the snails.
Alternatively, one could use a ring of silver foil to deter snails from vulnerable plants.
A mound of dry ash around your plants is another good snail barrier is, make sure to mound the ash at least 3 cm high and 5 cm wide.
Plant or sow a snail friendly sacrificial crop.
If creating boundaries isn’t your thing, consider using an organic grown bait to divert their attention. Because lettuce is a favorite food of snails, placing a sacrificial row of it someplace in your yard may encourage them to gather there rather than on and around your prized plants. One could then physically remove and dispose of the snails.
Attract natural snail predators like birds to the garden.
Snail baits chemicals and traps:
One could use snail baits as fast and effective snail control
Snail traps are another popular method of getting rid of snails in the garden.
These typically consist of a sunken vessel filled with a snail attracting substance like beer. That said, what a waste, you are better off drinking the beer and filling your snail traps with sugary water and yeast. Keep in mind these traps are non-selective and will attract and drown a variety of beneficial garden insects as well.
Eco Tip
Use Vaseline to prevent snails from damaging plants in pots:
On the rims and bases of plant pots, try applying Vaseline.Snails will give up on their attempts because they won’t be able to hold it with ease due to the slippery texture.
Plants That Repel Slugs and Snails:
If you’re looking to keep snails away from your garden, there are some plants you might want to consider adding to your lineup. These plants not only look great but also have a natural knack for repelling those pesky snails. Check it out:
Rosemary: You know that amazing smell rosemary gives off? Well, snails aren’t big fans of it. Plant some rosemary bushes around your garden, and you might just notice fewer snails creeping around.
Thyme: Snails don’t dig the scent of thyme either. Sprinkle a bit of this herb in your garden beds, and it might help keep the snails at bay.
Lavender: Ah, the sweet scent of lavender! It’s not just lovely for us humans; it also tends to deter snails from munching on your plants.
Mint: Peppermint, spearmint—you name it, snails don’t like it. Planting some mint around your garden can help ward off those slimy invaders.
Fennel: This one might surprise you, but fennel has a scent that snails find pretty off-putting. So, consider adding it to your garden for some extra snail protection.
Garlic: Yep, snails aren’t too keen on garlic either. Planting garlic bulbs or even using garlic sprays can help keep them away from your precious plants.
Chives: These guys give off an onion-like scent that snails tend to steer clear of. Plus, they’re handy to have around for cooking!
Marigolds: Not only do marigolds add a pop of color to your garden, but they also contain compounds that snails don’t like. Win-win!
Geraniums: Certain types of geraniums, like scented geraniums, emit fragrances that snails find unappealing. So, they might help keep your garden snail-free.
These plants won’t guarantee that you’ll never see another snail again, but they can definitely make your garden less inviting to them. Plus, they add some beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space—talk about a win-win!
Products That Get Rid Of Sulgs and Snails:
Biogrow:
- Biogrow Ferramol: is an organic-based product designed for the effective management of snails and slugs. It is suitable for use in a wide range of settings, including vegetable gardens, flower beds, and lawns, offering a safer alternative for environmentally conscious gardening.
Makhro Home and Garden
- Snail Bait: is a granulated solution aimed at managing king snails and slugs within grapevines, lawns, floral, and vegetable garden areas.
Protek
- Protek Scatterkill for Snails: is a specially formulated product to combat snails. It’s designed for scattering around areas like gardens, flowerbeds, and vegetable patches to protect them from snail damage.
Kombat
- Kombat Snail Bait is a granular formulation designed to manage snail and slug populations. It’s suitable for use in various settings, including vineyards, lawns, and both flower and vegetable gardens.
Efekto
- Snailflo: A liquid molluscicide that can be applied around plants to protect them from snail and slug damage.
- Snailban: A granular bait that targets snails and slugs, providing an effective solution to control these pests in your garden.
Snail and Slug Q and A: Popular questions on how to get rid of snails.
How do you get rid of snails permanently?
Getting rid of snails permanently can be challenging, but there are several methods you can try. One effective approach is to create barriers around vulnerable plants using materials like copper tape or crushed eggshells, as snails dislike crawling over these surfaces. Additionally, you can encourage natural predators such as frogs, toads, and birds to your garden, as they feed on snails. Another option is to use snail traps baited with beer or yeast solution, which attracts and drowns the snails. Finally, you can consider applying commercial snail repellents or molluscicides, but it’s essential to use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and consider their potential impact on other wildlife and the environment.
What do snails hate the most?
Snails are known to dislike certain substances and environmental conditions. One thing they particularly hate is dry and abrasive surfaces. Snails rely on moisture to move efficiently, so rough or dry surfaces can be uncomfortable for them to traverse. Additionally, snails are deterred by substances like copper, which can cause a reaction on their skin, leading to discomfort or repulsion. Certain strong-smelling substances like garlic or certain essential oils may also deter snails due to their potent odor.
How do you keep snails away?
To keep snails away from your plants and garden, you can employ various strategies. As mentioned earlier, creating physical barriers using materials like copper tape or crushed eggshells can prevent snails from reaching your plants. You can also encourage natural predators like birds, frogs, and predatory insects to your garden, as they feed on snails. Additionally, maintaining a dry and less hospitable environment by removing excess moisture, debris, and hiding spots can make your garden less attractive to snails. Regularly inspecting your plants for signs of snail damage and promptly removing any snails you find can also help keep their population in check.
How does vinegar get rid of snails?
Vinegar can be used as a natural deterrent for snails due to its acidic nature. When sprayed or applied directly on snails, vinegar can irritate their skin and mucous membranes, causing discomfort and repelling them from the treated area. However, it’s essential to use vinegar carefully and avoid applying it directly to plants or soil in high concentrations, as it can also harm vegetation. Diluting vinegar with water and using it as a spray around the perimeter of your garden or on surfaces where snails tend to gather can help deter them effectively.
What home remedy keeps snails away?
Several home remedies can help keep snails away from your garden. One popular method is to create barriers using materials like copper tape, crushed eggshells, or diatomaceous earth, which snails find difficult or unpleasant to crawl over. You can also try making natural repellent sprays using ingredients like vinegar, garlic, chili pepper, or essential oils, as these substances can deter snails due to their strong odors or acidic properties. Additionally, planting snail-resistant plants or those that snails dislike, such as herbs like rosemary and thyme, can help minimize damage to your garden.
Does salt keep snails away?
Salt can be an effective means of controlling snails, as it causes dehydration and ultimately kills them. When snails come into contact with salt, it draws moisture out of their bodies through osmosis, leading to desiccation and death. However, it’s essential to use salt cautiously, as it can also harm plants and soil if applied excessively. Directly sprinkling salt on snails or creating salt barriers around plants can be effective in controlling their population, but it’s crucial to avoid using salt in areas where it can leach into the soil and affect other vegetation.
Does Epsom salt keep snails away?
While Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is not typically used specifically for deterring snails, some gardeners believe that it can help repel them due to its abrasive texture and magnesium content. However, there isn’t substantial scientific evidence to support the efficacy of Epsom salt as a snail repellent. If you choose to use Epsom salt in your garden, it’s essential to do so sparingly and be mindful of its potential impact on soil pH and plant health.
What attracts snails in the house?
Snails are attracted to environments that provide moisture, shelter, and a readily available food source. In the house, factors such as damp or humid conditions, leaky pipes, and standing water can create an inviting habitat for snails. Additionally, snails may be attracted to indoor plants or organic matter like decaying leaves or fruits, which provide both shelter and food. Cracks or gaps in walls, windows, or doors can also allow snails to enter the house, especially during periods of high humidity or rainfall.
How can I stop snails eating my plants?
To prevent snails from eating your plants, you can employ various strategies. Creating physical barriers using materials like copper tape, crushed eggshells, or diatomaceous earth can effectively protect vulnerable plants by making it difficult for snails to reach them. Additionally, planting snail-resistant species or those that snails dislike, such as herbs like rosemary, thyme, or lavender, can help minimize damage. Encouraging natural predators like birds, frogs, and predatory insects to your garden can also help control snail populations. Regularly inspecting your plants for signs of snail damage and promptly removing any snails you find can also prevent further feeding.
Why am I getting so many snails in my garden?
Several factors may contribute to a high population of snails in your garden. Snails thrive in environments with ample moisture, shelter, and food sources, so excessive rainfall, overwatering, or poorly drained soil can create favorable conditions for them to multiply. Additionally, gardens with dense vegetation, organic debris, or hiding spots like rocks, logs, or mulch provide ideal habitats for snails. If neighboring areas have high snail populations, they may migrate into your garden in search of food or suitable habitats. To reduce the number of snails in your garden, focus on improving drainage, reducing excess moisture, minimizing hiding spots, and employing effective control methods as mentioned earlier.
Want to Know More About Getting Rid of Snails and Slugs?
Try these additional resources:
“How to Control Snails in Your Garden – Plantland” – This article from Plantland offers practical advice on controlling snail populations and protecting your plants from these common pests.
“Stop Garden Snails from Wreaking Havoc on Your Garden – Efekto” – Efekto provides strategies to prevent snails from damaging your garden, emphasizing eco-friendly and effective solutions.
“How to Get Rid of Snails in Your Garden: A Comprehensive Guide – Gardening.co.za” – This comprehensive guide by Gardening.co.za covers various effective methods to control and eliminate snails, ensuring the health and safety of your garden plants.
