While slugs are beneficial in the garden, they can be a pain for gardeners, especially when it comes to new crops.
James Partridge at Greenshop said: “While you might think of slugs and snails as greedy predators feasting on your veg patch, it’s important to remember that these pesky bugs are also prey for lots of other garden wildlife, including birds, frogs, toads, hedgehogs and even certain beetles.
“So, by encouraging more of these creatures to visit your garden, you can control slugs and snails naturally.
“Birds will be enticed into your garden by a feeder or bird table with some seed or nuts mix.
“This also provides a vantage point where birds can spot their prey, so try to position it near the plants you want to protect.
“You can also consider adding a pond to provide a haven for frogs and toads. While encouraging predators is effective, it can take a bit of time to work.”
If pests are causing damage or eating their way through newly planted crops, it may be worth investing in physical barriers.
This includes horticultural wool which can help to deter slugs as they’ll “struggle to move” over the rough texture.
James added: “They will struggle with sharp or rough-textured surfaces, so adding some crushed eggshells or gravel mix around the base of your plants can act as a barrier.”
To use eggshells, make sure they are clean and dry, remembering to remove the inner membrane before scattering them outside close to plants.
Eggshells will only be effective if it doesn’t rain so make sure to swap them out regularly.
Eggs can be picked up for as little as £1.80 a box, equating to just 30p per eggshell.
It may also be worth companion planting if slugs are becoming a real nuisance. This involves planting strong scents near appetising plants for slugs to help them stay away.
Try planting herbs such as lavender, mint and rosemary near crops to deter slugs away.
Other methods include using a beer trap which lures the pests in through a yeasty scent they are said to be attracted to.
However, it is best to avoid harming slugs where possible as they are beneficial for the garden.
