Slugs and snails, however annoying, play an important role in the ecosystem of your garden. In fact, they can help with gardening in that they feed on fallen leaves.
They also attract predators like snakes and birds to the garden, which eat other more pesky pets, like insects and mice.
But, when slugs and snails eat prized plants it poses a problem for the gardener. So, how can you get rid of slugs and snails without hurting or killing them?
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Eight humane ways to kill slugs and snails
Handpicking
Go out after dark (when snails are most active) with a flashlight and pick them off plants and surfaces. You can relocate them away from your garden.
Barriers
Create physical barriers like copper tape or diatomaceous earth around the plants you want to protect. Snails don’t like crawling over these substances.
Crushed eggshells or coffee grounds
Sprinkle crushed eggshells or used coffee grounds around your plants. These abrasive materials can deter snails.
Organic repellents
There are organic snail repellents available, often based on ingredients like garlic or neem oil. These can be sprayed on plants.
Mulch
Use a coarse mulch like straw or wood chips around your plants. This can make it more difficult for snails to move around.
Watering practices
Avoid overwatering your garden in the evening, as this can create a damp environment that snails love. Instead, water in the morning.
Natural barriers
Plant snail-resistant or repellent plants, such as rosemary, lavender, or sage, around your more vulnerable plants.
Regular garden maintenance
Keep your garden clean and tidy, removing debris and weeds where snails may hide during the day.
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