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Snare those Slugs and Snails!

posted by Annie B. Bond Jan 28, 1999 6:45 am
2 comments

There’s a scene in the latest Harry Potter movie where Harry’s friend spits up slugs. Yuck! Doesn’t that just sum up the way most of us feel about slugs and snails? The very thought of the slimy little things is not a pretty one, and absolutely nobody wants them ruining their garden!

Stop destructive snails and slugs from snacking on your plants, but without using poisonous baits that can threaten the health of your pets and family. Alternative methods may take just a little patience, but with a bit of perseverance you will be able to rid your garden of these pesky creatures without using harmful chemicals.


  • Remove slugs and snails by hand. By night, use a flashlight and follow
    their shiny trails to find them.
  • Transport them somewhere far from your garden, (not your neighbor’s
    garden!) or squish or drown them in a jar of soapy water.
  • Wearing a face mask, spread natural or agricultural-grade diatomaceous
    earth over the soil in flower beds or around individual plants. Diatomaceous
    earth cuts the slugs and causes them to dehydrate. Reapply after each rain.
  • Deter snails and slugs by sprinkling cayenne pepper along their paths.
  • Place ceramic flowerpots upside-down to attract and trap snails and slugs
    in the shade. Overturn them and remove the snails daily until they are gone.
  • Water your garden and lawn in the morning. Slugs and snails travel at night
    more easily through wet plants.

More on Natural Pest Control (28 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3206 articles available)

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2 comments

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2 Comments       add a comment »
Erin Murphy

i meant aqutic snails dude

Cat G.
  • Cat G. says
  • Jun 11, 2007 3:51 PM

slugs like beer. put out a shallow dish and they will crawl in and drown themselves.

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