With each cubic metre of soil in the UK containing an average of around 200 slugs, according to experts, we’ve put together some of the best ways to keep slugs away from your home
As the UK weather takes a turn for the colder and wetter, Brits have another issue to contend with – slugs. Regrettably, Britain has earned the title of ‘Slug Capital of the World’, with each cubic metre of soil housing an average of around 200 slugs, say experts.
Slugs lay eggs throughout the year, but they’re most active in early spring and autumn. To help you keep these bothersome gastropods at bay, the home experts at Online Carpets have compiled their top five natural methods for repelling slugs.
How to stop slugs from coming in
Don’t give them a chance to get in in the first place
The first step is to figure out how the slugs are getting into your house. There’s no point in using slug deterrents if they can still easily return. Slugs lack bones and can squeeze through tiny spaces, so check for any cracks or gaps in your windows and door frames that might need sealing.
Start by inspecting the entrances to your house, beginning with the doors and then the ground-floor windows, and use a suitable sealant to fill any gaps. Slugs are quite determined and will quickly find a new entry point if you haven’t sealed all of them.
Identify and eliminate any damp or condensation spots
If you’re constantly discovering slugs in your home, it’s crucial to identify what’s drawing them in and how they’re gaining access. Slugs are attracted to dampness, so they’ll gravitate towards any moist, dark areas, leaky pipes, or condensation build-up – make sure to address these issues promptly.
Those residing in older properties may be more prone to slug invasions due to the original wall construction, so investing in items like damp traps or dehumidifiers can help eliminate excess moisture. They also have a keen sense of smell, so ensure to clean up any leftover food or pet food that might have been left out.
Copper tape
Copper tape is another effective solution for keeping slugs at bay. Unlike humans and other mammals who use Haemoglobin (which is iron-based) to transport oxygen around our bodies, slugs utilise Hemocyanin proteins.
These proteins contain two copper atoms, making them sensitive to copper. If slugs remain near copper for too long, it can inhibit oxygen circulation within their bodies.
As a result, they’ll avoid crossing copper, making it an excellent deterrent to place on any entryways or window seals where slugs frequently infiltrate our homes. However, remember that copper tape will need regular cleaning with vinegar to prevent tarnishing and maintain its effectiveness against slugs.
Consider making a natural spray
Slugs detest the smell of certain plants, with lavender being a top choice for its slug-repelling properties. Lavender is also low in toxicity to humans, making it an ideal option for keeping slugs at bay from your home.
Other popular choices include rosemary. You could consider placing lavender strategically at your home’s entry points, creating a fragrant barrier against slugs, or mix some lavender oil into a spray bottle and spritz it on surfaces inside and outside your home.
Used coffee grounds
We Brits are known for our love of coffee, with an estimated 80% of UK households stocking up on coffee for home use – so we’re certainly not short of supply. While many of us rely on a morning cuppa to kickstart our day, slugs can’t stand it.
All you need to do is sprinkle some coffee grounds at your home’s entrances, which will act as a deterrent. However, it’s crucial to remember that you’ll need to use ground coffee beans – not instant coffee granules.
The higher the caffeine content, the better. If you don’t usually buy coffee beans for your home brews, some coffee shops will happily give you grounds from their machines free of charge if you ask.
