Slugs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails: Keep Pests Away From your Spring Garden

Slugs and snails are the bane of many gardeners as the warm weather closes in, so here are some earth friendly tips from GreenLivingTips.com for controlling these often unwelcome visitors.

Photos Credit: FeverishThoughts.com

  • Steer clear of snail and slug bait containing metaldehyde or methiocarb wherever possible. These chemicals have killed countless thousands of domestic pets and birds over the years; not to mention beneficial insects and earthworms. Metaldehyde is toxic to all creatures that consume it, be it through direct ingestion or secondary poisoning from consuming poisoned prey.
  • You can make it a family activity, complete with gloves or tongs if members of your family don’t like the idea of touching them. Offer an incentive for the most slugs and snails captured! Create simple traps such as upside down plant pots and wooden boards. Snails and slugs like these sorts of places to hide in. You’ll need to check the traps daily.
  • Snails and slugs are repelled by the reaction of the slime on their bodies and copper. Try creating a barrier with copper strips around delicate areas of your garden or use copper tape on larger plants. These products should be available from your hardware store.

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