When it comes to common garden pests, slugs are notorious for causing havoc in the yard. Whether you’re growing vegetables or have beautiful flowers, it’s always disheartening to find holes in the leaves, damaged seedlings or plants destroyed by these slimy creatures. And while I’ve tried a few natural ways to deter slugs and snails from my yard, I’ve always wondered why they keep coming back.
According to experts, there are some reasons why slugs keep trailing back, and all it takes are a few adjustments to make it less inviting for them. With that in mind, I asked a pest expert to explain why slugs and snails are invading my yard, and top tips to prevent it.
Common reasons why slugs might be showing up in your yard
One of the reasons why you don't always see slugs chewing away at your plants during the day is because they are mainly nocturnal creatures.
“Slugs are most active at night and on cloudy or foggy days,” states Lucie Bradley, Gardening and greenhouse expert at Two Wests & Elliott. “On sunny days, they seek hiding places from the heat and bright light. Often the only clues to their presence are their silvery trails and plant damage. During cold weather, snails and slugs hibernate in the topsoil.”
Another reason is wet weather conditions or excess water, as slugs are more active during wet and humid conditions. “If there has been recent rain or if the weather is generally damp, it can create favourable conditions for slugs. So, avoid overwatering. Excessive watering can create a damp environment, which attracts slugs. Make sure you water your garden appropriately and avoid overwatering.”
Additionally, if your yard has a lot of lush vegetation or mulch, this can be inviting for slugs to feed on and hide in. “Slugs feed on a variety of plant materials, including leaves, flowers, and fruits. Similarly, slugs are scavengers and feed on decaying plant matter. If there is decaying organic material in your garden, such as fallen leaves or compost, it can attract slugs.”
Finally, the lack of natural predators to your yard, means there will be an increase in slugs. "If the natural predators of slugs, such as certain beetles, ground beetles, and some birds, are not present in sufficient numbers, it can contribute to a slug population increase."
Other tips to get rid of slugs and snails
Remove hiding spots: Be sure to clear away debris, mulch, and other hiding spots where slugs might take shelter during the day.
Natural predators: Encourage natural predators of slugs, such as birds and beetles, by providing bird feeders or planting flowers that attract beneficial insects.
Barriers: Create physical barriers around susceptible plants using materials like copper tape, diatomaceous earth, or eggshells, as slugs are less likely to cross these.
Beer traps: Set up beer traps by burying containers filled with beer in the soil. Slugs are attracted to the beer, fall in, and drown.
Handpicking: If your slugs are manageable, manually pick them off plants, especially during the evening when they are most active
Another organic deterrent is Diatomaceous earth (DE), which is a fine, powdery substance created from the fossilized remains of diatoms. While DE is harmful to slugs and snails, you don’t have to worry about it being harmful to you or other animals. But, be sure to use the food-grade DE though as this is what works best for pest control.
So if you want a slug-free yard, and want to protect your precious plants, check out one of these expert-approved tips this fall.
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