Slugs, slugs, slugs…. When we experience wet weather (which can seem like more than our fair share in Ireland), gardeners can be overwhelmed by slugs and snails. What’s the best solution to ridding our vegetable patches, gardens and borders of these slimy little creatures, without automatically reaching for the slug pellets? It’s the question I’m asked the most and everyone has their own answer.
However, before you start obliterating the garden of every last slug in sight, it’s important to know that not all of them are baddies that want to devour all our plants.
The green cellar slug (which we found with a mouth stuffed full of pizza one evening!) like to hang out on compost heaps and also enjoy a diet of mould and algae. The John Innes Centre have a page highlighting the most common in the UK (which often live in Ireland too) helping to identify slugs, and I’d recommend you take a peek.
Once you’ve established whether you’re looking at a Brown Field slug or a Budapest Keeled, what can you do to about them?
From beer to salt, copper to egg shell’s, I’ve heard lots of tips and advice over the years. Here are the most common fifteen:
Snails can be a major nuisance for gardeners, especially when they target delicate plants like basket grass. These slimy pests can quickly munch their way through the leaves and stems of your beloved plant, leaving behind a trail of destruction. If you’re struggling to keep snails at bay and protect your basket grass, fear not – there are several effective methods you can use to get rid of snails and safeguard your plant.
Understanding Snail Behavior
Before diving into how to eliminate snails from your basket grass plant, it’s important to understand a bit about these slippery creatures. Snails are mollusks that thrive in damp, cool environments and are most active during the night or on overcast days. They feed on a variety of plants, including basket grass, and can quickly multiply if left unchecked.
Snails leave behind a distinctive trail of slime as they move, making it easy to identify their presence in your garden While they may seem harmless at first glance, a large population of snails can wreak havoc on your plants, causing extensive damage and potentially hindering their growth
Natural Methods to Control Snails
When it comes to dealing with snails on your basket grass plant, there are several natural methods you can try before resorting to chemical solutions. These eco-friendly approaches are not only effective but also safe for the environment and beneficial insects in your garden. Here are some of the most effective natural ways to deter snails:
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Handpicking Manually remove snails from plants during early morning or evening hours when they are active, Dispose of them in soapy water
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Copper barriers Snails avoid copper due to the reaction with their mucus Use copper tape around plant stems or pots
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Natural predators: Attract birds, frogs, snakes, etc to naturally prey on snails.
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Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle this natural abrasive powder around plants to shred snails upon contact.
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Traps: Lure snails into traps like beer-filled pans or moist refuge spots and dispose of them.
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Coffee grounds: Used grounds create an unpleasant texture that deters snails from crawling over.
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Crushed eggshells: The sharp edges deter snails from crossing over this abrasive surface.
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Strong-scented plants: Interplanting with mint, thyme, rosemary etc repels snails with their strong aroma.
When to Use Chemical Pesticides
For severe snail infestations that persist despite natural methods, chemical pesticides may offer more effective control. However, exercise caution with chemicals due to environmental impact. Some options include:
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Iron phosphate baits – Safer than metaldehyde, made specially to attract and kill snails.
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Metaldehyde baits – More toxic so proper precautions are needed, but very effective snail killer.
Always carefully follow label directions when using chemical pesticides. Try to avoid broad-spectrum products that may also kill beneficial insects. Only use such pesticides as a last resort when all else fails.
Preventing Future Snail Infestations
In addition to control measures, prevention is key to protect basket grass plants from recurring snail damage. Useful tips include:
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Inspect plants frequently to detect early signs of snails before they multiply.
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Eliminate debris and moist hiding spots in the garden that snails seek shelter in.
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Avoid excessive watering and evening irrigation that creates the damp conditions snails thrive in.
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Use gravel, crushed eggshells or other sharp mulches that deter snails from crossing over.
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Rotate basket grass with unrelated plants to disrupt snail infestation cycles.
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Encourage natural predators like birds, snakes, frogs etc that feed on snails.
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Maintain tidy garden beds and prune lower foliage to reduce moist microclimates.
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Set up physical barriers like copper strips around plant bases.
Controlling snails takes persistence with a combination of removal, deterrents, attracting natural predators and modifying the environment to be less hospitable. Protect basket grass plants from snail damage with vigilant monitoring and integrated organic methods supplemented by targeted chemical use when essential.
No. 7 – Microscopic nematodes
‘Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodite’ also known as NemaSlug are available online that can be watered onto plants. They’re supposed to be very effective but the downside is that they’re quite pricey and will have to be re-applied after six weeks or so.
No. 8 – Iron based phosphate slug pellets
Slug and snail ultra pellets contain ferric phosphate which occurs naturally in the environment and are approved for organic production. They are safe for pets, birds, hedgehogs, bees and other common garden creatures. The little blue pellets
Regular slug pellets are usually made from poisoned cereals containing Metaldehyde or Methiocarb which (because they are food based) are also attractive to cats, dogs, birds and hedgehogs.
How we Eliminate Snails in the Garden || Black Gumbo
FAQ
What kills snails but not plants?
How to remove snails from potted plants?
How do you get rid of slugs & snails?
Use a flashlight to check around plants, looking at the tops and bottoms of leaves, at the base of each plant, and along the soil between rows. Once snails and slugs are located, use a spoon to dislodge them from the surface. Be thorough when searching and remove slugs and snails daily for the first week or so.
How do you keep snails away from grass?
Sprinkle rough diatomaceous earth in the grass where snails are a problem. This method works well to keep snails away, but any rain or water will wash the earth away and you’ll need to reapply it. Cut down tree branches and remove anything that’s casting shadows and making cool, shady areas on your lawn.
How to get rid of snails in an aquarium?
While you’re at it, learn how to get rid of snails in an aquarium. You can also set a trap by placing boards in shady areas of the garden where slugs and snails hide in the daytime. Lift up the boards, scrape off the pests and destroy. An alternate idea is to place inverted grapefruit rinds in problem areas of the garden.
How to prevent slugs & snails from coming to your plants?
Gardeners use eggshells as a barrier to prevent slugs and snails from coming near their plants. Ensure that the sharp parts face upwards so that the gastropods cannot cross them. The edges will hurt these pests, and they’ll give up trying to nibble on your veggies. 4. Using Coffee Grounds Wet weather has its pros and cons.