Get Rid of Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails can really do damage to your garden, even if it seems like these slow, slimy creatures are harmless. Getting rid of them quickly is the best way to keep your garden safe. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to get rid of slugs and snails. Slug pellets exists that will poison the creatures, but this is not always the best solution, since it is not humane, and many people do not like introducing poison to their garden. You can go hunting for the creatures at night and remove them manually, but if you would like a method that is a little less labor intensive, here are a few things you can try to get rid of the pests.

• Clay pots. A simple thing you can try is laying a few clay pots on their side in your garden. You will find that the slugs and snails that like to attack your garden at night enjoy hiding in the shade of the clay pots during the day. When you have all of the slugs in one place, you can wash off the clay pots in hot soapy water and dispose of slugs and snails as they come to your pots.
• Lettuce or Cabbage. You can bait snails with lettuce or cabbage leaves if you place them out in the evenings and in the morning. The snails will be attracted to the lettuce and cabbage and will probably be on top or near the leaf with you check on it. Just pick up the snail and throw it away.
• Beer. Slugs and snails have a vice—they love beer! Put some regular beer in the bottom of a jam jar and sink the jar about halfway into the soil near your tender plants. Snails and slugs will soon be attracted to the smell and they will throw themselves into the jam jar and then get stuck. When the jar has a few slugs in it you can toss them into the trash.

If you live in an area where you get snakes and salamanders, you should not kill them. Although you may not want to have to see snakes and salamanders, they are actually very good at protecting your garden from slugs and snails, since slugs and snails are two of their favorite meals. Instead of killing the snakes or salamanders in your yard, you may consider catching some from other locations and importing them to your garden.