It’s spring, finally! Many of us are celebrating the presence of more sun by spending time in the garden. If while doing so you’ve noticed pesky snails, you might feel demotivated to expand your plant family.
Snails can wreak havoc in your garden and getting rid of snails in your garden can be challenging, but there are several effective methods you can try to manage their population.
Here are 12 strategies to consider for a snail-free garden:
1. Handpicking: Go out to your garden in the evening or early morning when snails are most active. Wear gloves and pick them off plants and the ground. You can then relocate them to a distant area or dispose of them.
2. Natural Predators: Encourage natural predators of snails, such as birds, frogs, toads, and certain insects like ground beetles and nematodes, to inhabit your garden. Creating a hospitable environment for these creatures can help keep snail populations in check.
3. Use Beer Traps: Bury small containers, like shallow dishes or jars, in the ground at the soil level. Fill them with beer. Snails are attracted to the scent of the beer and will crawl in and drown. Empty and refill the traps regularly.
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4. Copper Barriers: Snails dislike crawling over copper surfaces because it gives them a mild electric shock. You can place copper tape or barriers around your garden beds or individual plants to deter snails from crossing.
5. Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of plants. This powdery substance has sharp particles that can deter and kill snails by dehydrating them. Reapply after rain.
6. Iron Phosphate-Based Baits: Iron phosphate-based snail baits are considered safe for pets and wildlife. Scatter them sparingly around your garden, following the package instructions. These baits attract snails and slugs, and then kill them.
7. Eggshell Barrier: Crushed eggshells can create a barrier that snails find difficult to crawl over. Sprinkle crushed eggshells around the base of your plants to discourage snails.
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8. Natural Repellents: Some plants have natural repellent properties, and planting them near susceptible plants can help deter snails. Examples include garlic, chives, rosemary, and mint.
9. Maintain a Dry Garden: Snails prefer damp environments, so try to keep your garden dry. Water your plants in the morning to allow the soil to dry during the day, and avoid overwatering.
10. Organic Mulch: Avoid using organic mulch like straw or leaves, as snails hide in these materials. Instead, opt for inorganic mulch like gravel or crushed rock.
11. Regular Garden Maintenance: Keep your garden clean and free of debris, as snails often hide under boards, pots, and other items. Remove hiding spots to reduce their population.
12. Use Commercial Products: If all else fails, you can consider using commercial snail and slug control products. Follow the instructions carefully, and use them sparingly to avoid harming beneficial insects and other wildlife.
Remember that completely eradicating snails from your garden may be difficult, but by employing a combination of these methods, you can manage their population and minimize damage to your plants. Additionally, it’s important to regularly inspect your garden for snails and take action as needed to prevent infestations from becoming severe.
Compiled by Marian Volkwyn
