Discover how to defeat snails with these snail control methods. Whether you want to protect your new seedlings or prevent snails from decimating your vegetable patch, these sustainable methods will solve the problem without harming the other wildlife in your garden.
When it comes to getting rid of snails, there are many snail control methods to choose from. From slug-repelling plants to tricks to keep them from snacking on the plants they love, these techniques are all within easy reach.
Snail control methods
Snails are a gardener’s archenemy. After months of lovingly raising your seedlings and carefully tending the crop, slugs can quickly eat their way through your vegetable garden ideas and undo all your hard work in one evening.
Before that, many gardeners will fear reaching for slug pellets. “Slugs and slugs are a bit of a nuisance, but I would never use slug pellets. There is very good research showing that pellets containing metaldehyde are also not good for garden birds. You can actually control them by attracting other types of wildlife to your yard, which naturally has exactly the same effect,” says gardener Arthur Parkinson (opens in new tab).
1. Nematodes
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If you are looking for guaranteed slug control methods, then nematodes are a great option that will target the slug without harming other wildlife.
“Nematodes occur naturally in soil and seek out and kill specific target pests. They attack the pest by entering its body and releasing a bacterium that kills it quickly and effectively. The nematodes then reproduce in the dying pest, releasing a new generation of hungry nematodes, which spread and search for more prey, protecting the area for up to six weeks,” says Jorge Tirado, technical specialist at BASF (opens in new tab).
“Nematodes have the advantage of targeting snails underground, where most of them live, rather than just those on the surface.”
Nematodes are readily available online (Beneficial Nematodes (opens in new tab) is a best seller and highly rated on Amazon) and can be poured into desired areas of the garden. Keep the soil moist for at least a week after the first application. Unlike slug pellets, nematodes do not harm children, pets, birds and wildlife.
2. Copper tape
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One of the most popular ways to deter snails without permanently damaging them is with copper tape. This simply needs to be fitted around the perimeter of the pot – make sure it stays clean and that there are no gaps in the band for snails to pass through. You can buy copper tape cheaply on Amazon (opens in new tab).
“Copper is irritating and repellent to snails. However, it does not kill them and will not reduce their numbers. Keep the barriers clear of debris and ensure they fully enclose the bin,” says Andrew Salisbury, Senior Entomologist at RHS Garden Wisley (opens in new tab).
For plants in your flower bed ideas, you can purchase copper rings or edgings that fit around your plants and are pressed into the soil, creating a protective barrier.
3. Rough surfaces
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Dry, broken eggshells, bark mulch, and small gravel pot lids are popular barriers to keep snails from getting too close to your plants. Since slugs are soft bodied, the sharp edges of these materials will be painful for the slugs to cross – creating a barrier to protect your plants. However, it’s worth noting that some snails travel underground, thus bypassing your barrier altogether.
4. Cinnamon
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This pantry is a great way to control a variety of garden pests – including ants and slugs – without harming other wildlife or the plants themselves. It is even said that you can use cinnamon in soil to repel mosquitoes.
To ward off snails, simply sprinkle a layer of cinnamon around the base of your plants and leave. This sticks to the snails’ bodies when they start crossing the line, prompting them to turn back – reapply after rain. The strong scent of cinnamon will also deter snails.
If you are looking for other pantry repellents, then there are many more homemade bug sprays that will help your plants stay pest-free.
5. Place container in water
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Snails will not cross water, no matter how delicious the feast promises to be beyond that. To use this to protect your plants, place pots on feet and place them in saucers filled with water. Keep the saucer filled as it is only effective as long as there is water in the bowl. This is one of the easiest yet most successful ways to control snails for container gardening ideas.
6. Beer traps
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One of many age-old snail control methods, creating beer-filled bait stations is a popular method of controlling snails. “Bait jam jars or your own traps set in the ground with beer or black syrup diluted with water to catch and drown slugs and snails,” advises Andrew Salisbury, senior entomologist, RHS Garden Wisley.
However, there is some debate as to the success of this method, so it is recommended that you do not rely solely on it.
7. Create a physical barrier for seedlings
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“Necks and snails can be a particular problem for seedlings. To protect young plants from late frosts and from snails and slugs, remove the cap from a plastic drinking bottle and cut off the bottom with scissors. Place it over the top of your plant and remove during the day if desired,” says Dr. Hayley Jones, an RHS entomologist. “Alternatively, wait and plant out larger, sturdier specimens that can take a bit of nibbling.”
8. Remove manually
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If you are looking for easy and free methods to combat snails, try removing the annoying snails manually. At dusk, venture into the garden with a torch in hand and collect the snails that appear. Once you’ve eliminated the perpetrators, go far away from your property – not just over the fence, or they’ll quickly return.
This method also works if you’re looking for a way to get rid of snails.
9. Encourage natural enemies
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Similar to the snail control methods above but less time consuming, use your local wildlife like birds to remove the snails for you.
“One of the best ways to control snails is to encourage their natural predators. Slugs are eaten by rove beetles, ground beetles, duds, frogs, hedgehogs and toads. To encourage these natural predators in the garden, ensure there is a place for them to breed, provide shelter and overwinter,” says the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (opens in new tab). “A pond is good for frogs, and a pile of wood encourages hedgehogs and duds when they’re around.”
What Kills Snails Naturally?
Nematodes are the best way to kill slugs naturally – just water the soil around your plants and let them get to work. Salt naturally kills snails, but it takes a lot of salt and shouldn’t be used near your plants. Other methods of naturally killing snails include beer traps and vinegar sprays.
Does petroleum jelly deter snails?
Yes, petroleum jelly deters snails. When applied around the perimeter of a pot, it protects the plant within. This is because the greasy texture of petroleum jelly makes it very difficult for the slugs to climb over it.
