Gardeners have been issued a warning by garden and ecology experts over using slug pellets in their garden this year – because they may be illegal.
Every gardener goes through a battle with slugs and snails every year – each time it rains, the slugs come out and begin marching on flowers, fruits, veg and anything and everything remotely green. That’s why gardeners often turn to methods to kill them like beer traps and slug pellets.
But garden ecology experts Arbtech are this week warning gardeners to check their sheds for any old slug pellets because they could contain a banned substance that is now illegal to possess, use or sell since the law was recently changed.
They said, as part of a set of advice issued on Monday, April 7: “We are also issuing a warning for Brits to check their sheds for any old slug repellents, and to throw them away if they contain metaldehyde.
“Storing or using these pellets is illegal in the UK, so make sure there are none hiding at the back of your shed.”
But even if you have the kind which are still legal to use, gardeners are being discouraged from using them where possible due to the damage they can do the other wildlife.
A spokesperson for Arbtech continued: “Though used by many gardeners in order to protect plants from slug damage, the pellets may actually cause more problems than they solve in your garden.
“The main ingredient in slug repellents is toxic to other garden wildlife, including hedgehogs and birds.
“Even slug pellets labelled as ‘organic’ contain ingredients which could be fatal to other wildlife. Slug pellets in your garden could also be harmful to your pets, as consumption in large quantities could be toxic.
“We urge gardeners to use natural repellents, including crushed eggshells or coffee grounds, which can be spread around plants to repel slugs.”
It added that there’s also other ways to stop slugs, including ‘slug proof plants’.
Arbtech continued: “You can also choose slug-proof plants. Opt for native species which can cope with slugs or species with adaptations like spiky leaves, thin leaves, woolly surfaces or strong aromas.
“These can deter slugs and snails and make eating the plant difficult.”