If you have a garden chances are you’ve had to deal with pesky slugs and snails at some point. These slimy critters can destroy your plants in no time flat so it’s important to know how to keep them away. Here are a few tips on how to keep snails away from your garden:
-Remove any potential hiding spots. Snails and slugs like to hide in dark moist places during the day. Check around your garden for potential hiding spots such as logs rocks and leaf litter and remove them if possible.
-Make your garden less appealing to snails and slugs. These critters are attracted to soft tender leaves so try planting tougher plants that they’re less likely to eat. Additionally try spreading diatomaceous earth around your plants as this can deter them.
-Keep the ground around your plants dry. Snails and slugs don’t like to cross dry open ground so try to keep the area around your plants free of moisture. This may mean watering your plants in the morning so that the ground has time to dry out during the day.
-Traps can also be effective in catching and killing snails and slugs. There are a variety of traps available such as beer traps and boards with sharp nails. Just be sure to check the traps regularly and dispose of the critters properly.
With a little effort you can keep snails and slugs away from your garden and protect your plants.
How can I keep snails away from my garden?
Answer: One way to keep snails away is to sprinkle crushed eggshells around your plants.
Snails dislike the sharp edges of the eggshells and will stay away.
What other methods can be used to keep snails away?
Answer: Some people use a homemade snail bait made with beer and flour.
Others use slug and snail traps.
Copper is also effective in repelling snails.
You can find copper tape or copper wire at your local hardware store.
How do I make a homemade snail bait?
Answer: To make a snail bait mix one can of beer with two cups of flour.
Place the mixture in a shallow dish and set it near the plants that are being damaged by the snails.
The snails will be attracted to the beer and will crawl into the dish where they will drown.
How do I make a snail trap?
Answer: To make a snail trap you will need a plastic container with a lid some bait and some water.
Drill or poke holes in the container lid.
Fill the container with an inch or two of water and set it near the plants that are being damaged.
Place the bait in the container.
The bait can be a piece of fruit a vegetable or even some dog food.
The snails will crawl into the container to get to the bait and then they will drown in the water.
Where can I find copper tape or wire?
Answer: Copper tape or wire can be found at your local hardware store.
Will crushed eggshells hurt my plants?
Answer: Crushed eggshells will not hurt your plants.
How often do I need to apply crushed eggshells?
Answer: You will need to reapply crushed eggshells every few weeks or after it rains.
How long will it take for the eggshells to keep the snails away?
Answer: The eggshells should start working immediately.
Do I need to remove the eggshells after they have done their job?
Answer: No you can leave the eggshells in your garden.
They will eventually decompose and add nutrients to the soil.
How often do I need to check my snail trap?
Answer: You should check your snail trap every few days.
What do I do with the snails that are in the trap?
Answer: You can dispose of the snails however you like.
Some people prefer to humanely kill the snails and then compost them.
Others simply throw them away.
How long will the copper tape or wire last?
Answer: The copper tape or wire will last for several months.
Do I need to remove the copper tape or wire after it stops working?
Answer: No you can leave the copper tape or wire in your garden.
It will not hurt your plants and will eventually rust away.
Will the homemade snail bait hurt my plants?
Answer: No the homemade snail bait will not hurt your plants.
What should I do if I have snails in my house?
Answer: If you have snails in your house you can try to trap them and then release them outside.
You can also put out a dish of salt or crush them with your shoe.
