They’re back. Science has deemed that slugs and snails have reclaimed the top spot in the list of pests that bother British gardeners. According to the 25th annual pest and disease rankings from RHS, slugs and snails pipped the vine weevil, the box tree caterpillar, and ants to claim the crown.
While the slimy blighters may be celebrating their victory over other garden annoyances, gardeners are left in a quandary when it comes to approaching a solution as to what to do about them. Is this a battle that can’t be won? Do we need to concede and admit defeat? It may just end up being a case of learning to live alongside these seemingly pointless creatures.
Nothing Worse than Stepping on a Snail
That crunch underfoot when you accidentally step on a snail is up there with the most unpleasant sensations in the world. The horror is compounded greatly if you foolishly step out onto the patio barefoot and stomp on one without the safety barrier that footwear provides.
It’s not just the ghastliness of the act that makes you feel bad, but also the fact that you’ve potentially damaged a living creature’s home (as well as its contents…). But did you know there’s a way to fix your mistake so that the manslaughter of a snail doesn’t have to weigh on your conscience?
If you step on a snail and manage to pull away before too much damage is done, you should be able to repair the shell. If you carefully spread superglue liquid over the cracked shell, you can restore it to its former glory. However, it would be much better to not have to deal with a problem like this in the first place by keeping your eyes peeled for any sight of the pests. These glues can be durable and weatherproof too, which helps.
How to Deter the Slimy Scourges
The preferable solution to the plague of slugs and snails would be to somehow stop them from entering your luscious garden area in the first place. However, chemical solutions are not advised, as they can be harmful to other wildlife in the area. You want birds, hedgehogs, and other slug predators to be attracted to your garden. Luckily, there are some natural and harmless ways to control the pests, and maybe encourage them to go eat a neighbour’s plant instead of yours.
Many people you talk to will offer up different advice about what works best, and it’s just a case of finding the option that works for your home. Coffee grounds are a well-known deterrent, but this isn’t a great selection for people who use hi-tech coffee machines that require pods. Copper tape can be placed around flower beds, as slugs and snails are unable to cross the metal guard. Alternatively, you could opt to grow plants that famously repel the trail-spreading blobs. These include options like garlic and chives.
The battle against slugs and snails may never be fully resolved, but there are numerous ways to keep them at bay. Try a few different deterrent methods and let them choose another garden for their reign of terror. This way, your garden can resemble the best outdoor space possible in Wales.