Slugs and snails can cause damage to seedlings and plants throughout the year, leaving irregularly shaped holes and chew marks in their foliage.
In the cooler months, gardeners might even spot the pests making their way indoors. One of the most common tell-tale signs of slugs is usually slime trails which can appear on floors, windows and patios.
Keeping slugs at bay can be difficult as the pests are largely nocturnal which means they are most active when people are asleep.
Instead of using harsh chemicals, which can be dangerous to both pets and children, gardening experts have shared how to use a “yeast trap”.
Many people may not realise that this method is not only practical but also helps keep other forms of wildlife safe, including birds.
Maria Kincaid, head ornithologist at FeatherSnap, said: “Nature provides a whole host of ingenious, chemical-free methods to safeguard your plants from pests.”
Kincaid has explained how yeast traps work. She explained that the pests find the yeast “irresistible”.
She said: “The yeast and sugar mixture creates a scent that closely resembles beer, which slugs find irresistible. When they approach the trap, they become submerged in the liquid and are unable to escape.
“The great thing about this hack is that once the slugs are in the trap, birds can then eat them without posing a risk to their health.
“This keeps your garden clean and saves you from cleaning up the mess left by the slugs once they’ve been caught.
“Birds such as thrushes, blackbirds, and starlings are known to feed on these molluscs and are all popular visitors to UK gardens.”
How to create a yeast trap
To make a yeast trap, mix together one teaspoon of dry yeast, one tablespoon of sugar, and a cup of warm water in a container.
Stir the mixture until it dissolves and foam forms before pouring small amounts into shallow containers or small jars.
Kincaid advised to “place these containers in areas of your garden where slugs are known to frequent, such as near plants”.
However, gardeners need to ensure birds do not drink the liquid. The expert continued: “To prevent birds from drinking the liquid directly, bury each container so that the rim is level with the ground. You can also loosely cover the containers with flat rocks or leaves, leaving just enough space for slugs to crawl in.
“Be sure to check and replace the mixture every few days to prevent odours and maintain effectiveness.”
