Slugs and snails can wreak havoc on your garden by munching through leaves, flowers, and seedlings. While chemical pesticides are effective, they can also harm beneficial insects and animals. Thankfully, there are several natural methods to control slugs and snails that are safe for your plants and the environment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to protect your garden from these pests using natural remedies:
1. Beer Traps
How it works: Slugs and snails are attracted to the scent of beer. They crawl into shallow dishes or containers filled with beer and drown.
Steps:
- Bury shallow containers, such as yogurt pots or saucers, in the soil so the rim is level with the ground.
- Fill the containers halfway with beer.
- Check and refill the traps regularly, especially after rain or watering.
Tip: Replace the beer every few days to maintain its attractiveness to slugs and snails.
2. Copper Barriers
How it works: Slugs and snails get a small electric shock when they come into contact with copper, deterring them from crossing.
Steps:
- Place copper tape or strips around the rims of pots or raised beds where slugs and snails are active.
- Alternatively, create a barrier by encircling individual plants with copper wire or strips.
Tip: Ensure the copper barrier is continuous and not broken for it to be effective.
3. Eggshell Mulch
How it works: The sharp edges of crushed eggshells create a barrier that slugs and snails prefer not to crawl over.
Steps:
- Save and crush eggshells from your kitchen.
- Sprinkle the crushed eggshells around the base of vulnerable plants or create a perimeter around garden beds.
Tip: Reapply after rain or watering, as the shells may settle into the soil.
4. Diatomaceous Earth
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