LifestyleWinning the slug war: Use grapefruit and copper to protect your garden

Winning the slug war: Use grapefruit and copper to protect your garden

Snails are not welcome in our gardens.
Snails are not welcome in our gardens.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

7:03 AM EDT, May 1, 2024

Slugs, often referred to as naked snails, present a formidable challenge for many gardeners. Their frequent emergence following rainfall can wreak havoc in gardens. This article outlines effective methods to rid your garden of slugs.

These shell-less pests are especially problematic for those who garden, easily identified by their lack of shells. Slugs can rapidly devastate crops, with a fondness for cabbage and lettuce. Acting swiftly upon noticing them in your garden is crucial.

Fruit Trap for Snails

Our gardens are nothing short of paradise for slugs, offering a bounty of favorite plants and ideal living conditions. They also prey on small insects in the garden, particularly during the warmer months.

So, what's an effective way to remove slugs from the garden? Thanks to the fruit's essential oils, placing half of a grapefruit where slug activity is noted quickly lures them in. After attracting the slugs, collect and remove them from the garden.

Copper: A Repellent for Slugs

Copper is another slug deterrent. Contact with copper causes snails to experience an unpleasant shock, effectively driving them away from the garden. Investing in self-adhesive copper tape on fences, pots, or other susceptible areas is a safe and humane method for keeping slugs at bay.