How to Combat Slugs? Everything You Need to Know!

Slugs in your garden can be a real nuisance. Before you know it, they've feasted on your young plants and beautiful flowers. But don't worry! In this blog, you'll discover how to combat slugs in an effective and animal-friendly way. Whether you opt for organic solutions, smart prevention tips or other methods, we have everything you need to know for a slug-free garden. Let's go! 🐌🌿

What are slugs?

Slugs are mollusks that do not have an external shell, unlike snails. They have a soft, slimy body that helps them retain moisture and protects them from predators. These gastropods can be found in gardens, forests and other moist areas. Slugs feed mainly on plants, leaves, flowers and fruits, which is why they are often seen as pests in gardens because of the damage they cause. At the same time, they play an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter. Slugs have both male and female characteristics and can fertilize themselves or other slugs, which allows them to multiply quickly. Despite their reputation as a pest, they are also useful in nature.

Although snails are useful to nature, they can become a real plague

What attracts slugs?

Slugs are attracted to damp, shady places and food sources. They like moisture because their soft, slimy bodies dry out quickly. They also seek sheltered places, such as under rocks, leaves or wood, where they can hide during the day. In terms of food, they love succulent plants, such as young seedlings, soft leaves, vegetables (such as lettuce), fruit and even fallen plant remains. Compost heaps and moist garden soil also attract slugs, because these places provide an ideal habitat.

When are slugs active?

Nudibranchs are mainly active at night and on cloudy, humid days . They avoid direct sunlight, as their soft, slimy bodies quickly dehydrate them. They are also often seen after rain, as the humid conditions are ideal for their movement and foraging. During the day, they hide in cool, dark places, such as under stones, leaves or in the ground. Their activity increases in spring and summer, when temperatures are mild and conditions are humid.

How do you prevent slugs?

Slugs can cause serious damage to your garden by nibbling on your plants, but fortunately there are several ways to prevent this slug plague. By taking a few precautions, you can make your garden less attractive to these slimy invaders.

Care tips to prevent slugs

Slugs can cause a lot of damage to your garden, but with a few simple care tips you can minimize their presence and protect your plants. Here are some practical tips to keep slugs out of your garden.

Check the soil moisture

Slugs thrive in damp conditions, so it is important to keep a close eye on the humidity in your garden, this can be done with a moisture meter . Make sure you do not overwater, especially after rain, and that the soil is well-draining. A well-draining soil prevents the formation of puddles of water, which creates the ideal environment for slugs.

Remove organic material

Slugs like to hide under organic material such as leaves, branches and fallen plant debris. By regularly tidying up your garden and removing this material, you give slugs fewer hiding places and reduce the chance of them breeding and damaging your plants.

Use mulch sparingly

Mulch can help keep the soil moist, but it can also attract slugs. If you use mulch, make sure you apply it sparingly and in the right places. Choose well-draining mulches so that they don’t hold too much moisture and the soil doesn’t stay too moist for slugs.

Make use of flowers & plants

Choosing the right flowers and plants for your garden can help prevent or even deter slugs. Some plants attract slugs, while others repel the intruders. By choosing wisely, you can protect your garden from these unwanted guests.

Which flowers & plants attract slugs?

Slugs are often attracted to succulent, tender leaves. Flowers and plants with high humidity or rich nutrients can also attract slugs. Some examples are:

• Lettuce and other leafy greens: Slugs are attracted to tender, juicy leaves such as lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens. The high moisture content and texture of the leaves make these plants a favorite prey for slugs, which can quickly cause damage and stunt growth.
• Hostas: Hostas, with their large, soft leaves, are a favorite of slugs. These shade plants provide a perfect hiding place for slugs, which feed on the succulent leaves and damage the plant, especially in damp gardens.
• Strawberries: Strawberries are a delicacy for slugs, which find both the juicy leaves and the ripe fruits attractive. Especially in humid conditions, such as after rain, strawberries are quickly visited by slugs that can damage the plant and eat the fruits.

Strawberries: not only tasty for humans, but also for snails

Which flowers & plants repel slugs?

There are also flowers and plants that repel slugs by their smell or texture. These can serve as a natural barrier against slugs. Some examples are:

• Lavender: The scent of lavender is strong and is considered unpleasant by slugs. This makes lavender an excellent plant to use in your garden as a natural slug deterrent. In addition to repelling slugs, lavender also adds a lovely scent and color to your garden, making it an ideal choice for both beauty and protection.
• Rosemary: Rosemary has a scent that slugs and snails avoid. This scent is not only unpleasant to slugs, but also helps to keep other garden pests at bay. Rosemary grows well in sunny spots and can be used both as a kitchen herb and as a natural slug barrier.
• Garlic: The smell of garlic is a powerful natural slug repellent. Slugs are strongly repelled by the smell of garlic, making it an ideal plant to plant around your garden or in pots. You can even plant garlic amongst other crops to protect them from these slimy invaders.
• Marigolds (Tagetes): Marigolds, also known as African marigolds, have a scent that slugs cannot tolerate. This scent acts as a deterrent for slugs, causing them to avoid your garden. In addition to their repellent effect on slugs, marigolds also contribute to the visual appeal of your garden, with their bright colors.
• Sage: Slugs and snails don’t like the strong smell of sage. This fragrant plant acts as a natural barrier against slugs and other garden pests. In addition to being useful as a repellent, sage is also a versatile herb in the kitchen, making it a valuable addition to both your garden and your cooking.

How do you combat slugs?

Slugs can be a major pest in your garden, especially if you want to keep your plants healthy and strong. Fortunately, there are several ways to effectively combat these slimy invaders, without using harmful chemicals. Below are some practical tips for keeping slugs out of your garden.

Grandma knows best

Some of the best solutions come from old gardening wisdom. Our grandmothers already knew: there are several natural ways to deter slugs. Think of spreading coffee grounds around your plants or using sawdust or ash. These materials create a barrier that is difficult for slugs to pass through. This is a simple and environmentally friendly way to keep slugs away.

Beer trap

Create a barrier

In addition to the preventative measures mentioned above, you can also create a physical barrier around your plants to keep slugs out. This can be a very effective way to ensure that slugs cannot gain access to your vulnerable plants. There are several simple materials that you can use to build such a barrier:

• Plastic bottles : A cheap and sustainable solution is to use plastic bottles. Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle and place it around your plants. The smooth plastic makes it difficult for slugs to crawl over. Not only is this an effective barrier, but it is also an environmentally friendly way to use recycled materials in your garden.
• Vaseline : Vaseline is an excellent tool for creating a physical barrier. Spread a thin layer of Vaseline around the stem of your plants or along the rim of your pots. The slimy, sticky texture makes it difficult for slugs to crawl through. It can be helpful to reapply Vaseline after a rain shower, as the water can make the substance slide away.
• Broken Shells : Broken shells or other sharp objects can discourage snails from crawling further. Sprinkle a generous amount of broken shells around your plants. The sharp edges of the shells can scratch the soft undersides of the snails, forcing them to find another way out. This also works well if you work the shells into the soil when you plant them, so that you have an extra layer of protection.
• Egg shells
  Eggshells can also be an effective barrier against slugs. Break the shells into small pieces and sprinkle them around your plants. The sharp edges of the shells can damage the soft bodies of slugs, preventing them from crawling any further. Using eggshells is an environmentally friendly way to keep slugs out of your garden and at the same time add a useful source of lime to your soil.
• Wood sawdust
  Wood sawdust can be another good physical barrier against slugs. Spread a layer of sawdust around your plants. The dry and slightly coarse material makes it difficult for slugs to crawl through, as they do not like the texture. It is also a natural material that can be integrated well into the garden. Keep in mind that the sawdust should not become too moist, otherwise it may be less effective.

Use sawdust or other materials to deter snails

Biological pesticides

There are several organic pesticides that you can use to combat pests in your garden in a natural and animal-friendly way. Two of the most popular and effective are nematodes and copper tape.

Nematodes

Nematodes are microscopic worms that can be used against various types of garden pests, such as snails, leatherjackets, and larvae. They enter the body of the insect and parasitize it, which leads to the death of the pest. Nematodes are safe for plants, animals, and people, and they help keep the soil healthy. They are often offered in powder form, which you simply mix with water and then spread over the soil or plants.

Copper Tape

Copper tape is another organic solution that is effective against slugs and other crawling insects. Slugs do not tolerate the electrical charge that copper conducts well. When they crawl over the copper surface, they receive a mild electric shock, which deters them and prevents them from moving further. It is a natural barrier that can easily be applied around pots or garden beds. The tape is not harmful to plants and works for a long time.