Effective Slug and Snail Control: Protecting Your Plants from Common Pests

The importance of growing plants and gardens is rising because of changing weather and the move toward a greener planet. More people want to create indoor and outdoor gardens, urban green spaces, and home lawns. These areas help the environment by absorbing harmful gases and making it more beautiful. However, these areas require great care and efficient measures to sustain them, as minor negligences may damage the whole green space.

Growers should follow specific instructions when preparing and feeding plants and gardens. Different weather conditions and organisms affect plants in various ways. One common problem is slug and snail infestations, which can harm plant health if not controlled. Growers need to take proper steps to manage these pests and keep them out of their plants and gardens. Regularly checking green spaces is essential to spot these pests early and take the necessary actions.

Growcycle offers the best solution for maintaining healthy grasses through its comprehensive guides about plant growth and maintenance practices. Moreover, it provides various reliable products that growers may choose depending on their plant requirements.

How Slug and Snails Damage the Plants?

The abnormal presence of slugs and snails significantly curbs the plant growth, impacting its overall health. 

• When slugs and snails enter gardens, they fulfill nutrient requirements by capturing plant feed. Moreover, they ingest plant leaves, flowers, and roots, thus depriving the plants of essential nutrients. 
• The excessive movements of these pests on the soil result in soil compaction, making it difficult for oxygen, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil properly. While on the leaves, moving pests inhibit the photosynthesis potential of the leaves, due to which respiration is ceased. 
• When slugs and snails attack young saplings, they ultimately damage the plant vegetation and roots, as they lack sufficient resistance and are more vulnerable to such stresses. 

All such conditions result in poor plant growth, which leads to lesser productivity, frequent diseases, and an unhealthy overall appearance. 

Causes of Slug and Snail Growth in the Plants

Slugs and snails might attack healthy plants and gardens for a few reasons. Gardeners should understand what causes them to appear and grow. By knowing this, they can take steps to fix and prevent the problem.

1. Excess Organic Matter Application

When growers apply organic matter to the soil, it helps retain moisture. However, it is suitable for optimal plant growth and welcomes certain pests, such as snails and slugs. Excess organic matter from mulching and fertilizers makes the soil nutrient-rich, giving rise to these pests' existence and exponential growth. 

2. Humid Weather and Highly Wet Gardens

Persisting humidity significantly curbs growers’ snail and slug control efforts. Such humid weather or the excessive water supply prevents the soil from drying out, and wet plants are suitable habitats for slugs and snails. 

3. Plants with Highly Acidic Soils

Slugs and snails usually feed on grasses and plants that need highly acidic soils to flourish. Gardens containing ferns, mosses, and blueberries welcome large populations of slugs and snails. These soils have high organic matter, so they retain moisture longer, thus facilitating these pests’ existence. 

4. Presence of Nearby Water Resources

Plants and gardens grown near water resources are more convenient for larger populations of slugs and snails. Soils near ponds and rivers have high moisture content, and these damp conditions attract the slugs and snails even more. 

5. Plants Lacking Natural Predators

A healthy balance is maintained within an ecosystem due to the stable predator-prey relationship. For instance, the nematode is a natural predator of slugs and snails, and the natural balance of both species is suitable for a healthier garden.

A green space lacking nematodes will grow slugs and snails excessively, thus harming plant growth. Therefore, natural predators are crucial to sustain a stable ecosystem. 

Weather Patterns Influencing Activity of Slug and Snail

Different types of weather patterns impact the plants’ ecosystem differently. Similarly, the presence of slugs and snails in any garden or green space is affected by the changing weather. 

1. Prolonged Rainstorms

Excessively wet soils are ideal for slugs and snails existence and growth. They inhabit gardens and green areas that receive high rainfalls for prolonged periods. Due to the persistent damp soils, organic mulch in the garden becomes a waste layer, facilitating these organisms even more. With improved feeding, their reproduction increases, strengthening their populations. 

2. Mild and Freezing Winters

During extremely freezing winters, it is difficult for several organisms, including slugs and snails to survive. Thus, freezing temperatures are suitable to minimize the population of slugs and snails.

However, in areas with prolonged mild winters, this population does not get killed; instead, it grows further due to the favorable weather conditions. Areas with extreme winters can effectively control the slug and snail infestations in their green spaces.

3. Cloudy Weather

Slugs and snails prefer dark conditions for optimal growth, and their activity is enhanced when there is little to no sunlight. If an area has been experiencing cloudy weather for a long time, the slugs and snails move actively into the gardens, harming the vegetation and edible parts of the plants and improved feeding results in higher reproduction; thus, their population multiplies in such areas. 

4. Sudden Shift in Weather

Any unexpected or sudden change in the weather in any area signals that pests, including slugs and snails, will be more active. After severely dry weather, when plants receive excess rainfall, slugs and snails immediately attack them, finding a favorable habitat after a long time. Growers should make appropriate efforts to curb their growth in such changing weather.

Best Products to Control Slug and Snail Infestation in Plants

Growers have multiple options for applying chemical and synthetic materials to their gardens and plants to combat slug and snail growth. Given below are some of the best synthetic materials to serve the purpose;

1. IronFist 50Lb Slug and Snail Bait (40/PL)

IronFist 50lb Slug and Snail Bait is a great way to help plants recover from slug and snail damage. Made mostly of iron phosphate, it disrupts the feeding of slugs and snails when they eat it, eventually killing them.

The bait is in granular form. Before applying, growers should clear the surface and spread the granules evenly. It works well in flower beds, fruit and vegetable gardens, and lawns.

A 1.5-lb bag covers a thousand yards. It should be applied around plant bases or areas with many slugs. After use, the bait is safe for pets, and the iron phosphate absorbs into the soil, improving its quality.

2. Amvac Deadline M-Ps 50Lb (40/PL) (Metaldehyde)

Amvac Deadline M-Ps 50 lb Metaldehyde comes in pellet form. Growers should scatter these pellets in the maximum activity areas of slugs and snails. Ideally, gardeners should apply these pellets on the garden edges, above or below the organic mulch, and on the plant bases. 

It kills the targeted organisms immediately by causing severe dehydration in the snails’ bodies. The pellets' sharp blue color helps growers identify the areas where they are applied successfully, thus preventing over-application. One pound of these pellets can kill the slugs and snails from 1000 square feet. 

It effectively controls slugs and snails in smaller lawns, agricultural fields, and extensive gardens. However, after applying it, growers should ensure the safety of pets and other organisms, as the metaldehyde in it is toxic if ingested. 

3. Ortho Bug-Geta Snail & Slug Killer

Ortho Bug-Geta Snail & Slug Killer is also prepared using iron phosphates, which are effective for plants and soil health. Growers should apply it to sites with the expected slug and snail populations. It works by affecting the targeted organism's feeding system, killing it. 

A small amount of 1 lb effectively kills slugs and snails in a 1000-square-foot area. This material's nontoxic composition is safer for plants and animals, so growers can use it in gardens and lawns containing fruits, vegetables, and edible plants. The pellets' water-proof nature may allow them to last longer in the soil.  

4. Bonide 24 oz Slug Magic Pellets 

Composed of iron phosphates, the Bonide 24 oz Slug Magic pellets effectively kill snails and slugs. Growers may apply it throughout the year due to its effectiveness in all types of weather. One pound of Bonide pellets effectively kills slugs and snails in 1000 square feet. It compels them to appear from hidden spaces and kills them by interrupting their feeding systems. 

This quick-acting formula may remain in the soil for long, thus curbing the slug and snail populations. Due to its beneficial composition, eco-friendly benefits, and safer options for all lives, it is an excellent pick for growers switching to organic gardening. The granules can be effectively applied to vegetables, fruits, and crops, quickly disappearing the slugs and snails. 

5. Certis Bio Sluggo 50 LB OMRI (40/ PL)

Certis Bio Sluggo 50 lb OMRI is a powerful organic product that controls slugs and snails in gardens and green spaces. Its main ingredient is iron phosphate. When slugs and snails eat this, it stops them from feeding on plants. Although they might stay in the plants for a while, they can't damage them anymore and usually die within 3 to 6 days.

After the slugs and snails die, the leftover iron phosphate improves the soil. It is water-resistant, so it stays in the soil even after light rain. This makes Certis Bio Sluggo a great choice for gardeners looking for an effective organic solution.

Organic Options to Prevent Slug and Snail Attack 

Certain things are available for growers who prefer natural ingredients over synthetic options. However, using all-natural ingredients for slug and snail control is a little time-consuming as compared to the chemical options:

• Nematodes

Nematodes are natural predators of slugs and snails that effectively control their population. Growers who do not want to damage their plants with chemical slug and snail killer can mix some nematodes in water and apply these damped nematodes throughout the lawn or garden.

Gradually, they enter the bodies of slugs and snails and leave harmful bacteria there, causing their killing. Moreover, they are environment-friendly and safer for pets and children. 

• Eggshells

When cracked, eggshells have sharp edges, and their uncomfortable texture prevents slugs and snails from entering green spaces when applied to the soil or the plant's base. Due to their delicate bodies, snails and slugs prefer smooth and easy surfaces to move comfortably. Moreover, the eggshells' calcium composition also gives soil adequate calcium, improving its structure. 

• Grapefruit Trap

Removing slugs and snails from the garden using grapefruit is another effective way to save the plant from slug infestation. Growers just have to put the grapefruit eaten into the soil affected by the slug and snail activity. After a while, its flavor will attract the slugs and snails, from which the growers can collect them. 

• Beer Trap

Beer contains yeast, which is favorable for slugs and snails. Growers simply pour adequate beer into a dish, and attracted slugs and snails enter and get trapped there. This way, growers can eliminate unwanted slug and snail populations without harming the plants.

• Copper Tape

Copper tape acts as a beneficial snail and slug repellent for gardens. It comes in a strip form, with one side covered with adhesive and the other with copper. To prevent snail and slug entry, growers apply it on the edges of gardens and green spaces. The copper reacts with the incoming snails' and slugs' slime, causing them discomfort when entering such spaces. 

• Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is algae buried deep into the Earth as fossils. It is a suitable source to prevent slugs and snails from damaging plants and gardens. If the slugs and snails have already attacked the garden, growers should apply this fine powder throughout the garden soil. Using it around the edges is good to prevent these organisms from entering the gardens. Slugs and snails get dehydrated when coming in contact with this powder and are killed.

• Slug Pellets

Slug pellets contain iron phosphates, and slugs and snails conveniently find them attractive. Slugs and snails ingest the iron phosphate-containing slug pellets that notably disrupt their body systems and kill them. Moreover, iron phosphate is also an excellent addition to the soil nutrient chemistry. 

• Neem Oil

Growers can use diluted neem oil to eliminate slugs and snails from their green spaces. Spraying this eco-friendly slug and snail killer on the vegetation and garden beds impacts the slugs' feeding mechanisms. This way, such unwanted organisms get killed immediately. 

• Slug Repelling Plants

Growers can consider growing plants that repel slugs and snails, leaving the garden free of these organisms. Plants like fennel and rosemary have an unbearable fragrance for slugs and snails, making growing such plants a practical step in ensuring slug and snail control. 

• Wood Ash

Leaving the powdered ashes of burned wood on the garden surface inconveniences slugs' and snails' movement. Moreover, burned wood contains adequate potassium, which is suitable for developing plant resistance. 

Practical Tips for Slug and Snail Control 

Growers may take specific measures besides adding chemical or natural ingredients to combat the excessively spreading slugs and snail populations. Here are mentioned some notable measures to ensure a pests free green space;

Drip Irrigation

Slugs and snails prefer wet and humid environments, and when watered, plants have a high chance of slug and snail infestation. So, watering plants and gardens through a drip irrigation system ensures that the maximum water supplied reaches the plant roots instead of the soil surface. This sufficient water supply allows optimal root growth and development, thus enhancing overall plant functioning. 

Mulching

Smooth surfaces in gardens are home to organisms like slugs and snails. To prevent their attack, growers should apply organic material such as mulch that ensures an uneven texture. Slugs and snails do not enter the garden with such rough surfaces because the hard texture stops their movements. 

Monitor the Hidden Spots

During the day or in challenging conditions, slugs and snails usually hide in shaded areas, including under rocks, pots, and containers. Growers should regularly check these areas to prevent unnoticed snail and slug populations. If observed, gardeners should immediately remove these organisms; otherwise, they may adversely impact the plant's health. 

Regular Mowing

Unnecessarily taller grasses also provide a home to slugs and snails. Dirt, debris, and unwanted objects easily get trapped in neglected grasses, making them more harmful to plants. Growers should regularly mow the grass to an appropriate length. This way, the chances of attacks by weeds, insects, and pests are minimized. 

Cut off the Low-hanging Leaves 

Trees or plants with lower leaves are more vulnerable to slug and snail attacks. While crawling on the garden soil, slugs and snails interact with these hanging leaves, eventually reaching and impacting the healthy vegetation. To address this issue, growers should trim the leaves hanging at lower levels and assist with slug and snail infestations. 

Protect the Green Space by Snail Fence

Growers can introduce a snail fence around the area to ensure the gardens' long-term slug and snail control. Such fences make it difficult for the slugs and snails to enter the green areas, thus preventing the plants. 

Garden Beds Should be Higher

Elevating the garden beds is good to prevent snails and slugs from entering any garden. This hinders the access of such organisms to the garden. Moreover, the excess water will not stay on the surface due to the elevated garden beds, thus curbing the chance of slug and snail attacks even more. 

Do’s and Dont’s for Plants Infesting with Snails and Slugs

Gardeners should keep the following things in mind while dealing with a green space that is significantly infested with pests like slugs and snails;

• Compost is usually made from waste plants and garden debris, but growers should avoid adding plants affected by slugs and snails to the compost material. This compost may also affect the new soil when added to it. 
• Green areas should not contain objects like boards, pots, containers on the ground, or anything that may be a hiding spot for such pests. 
• Growers may consider adding sand or ensuring soil drying procedures at times to prevent excessive moisture from persisting. This may inhibit the chances of slugs and snails surviving. 
• Also, it is good to grow such plants in the garden that do not facilitate the growth of slugs and snails. 
• If a slight indication of slugs and snails’ presence is observed in the garden or on the plants, growers should immediately take the required action to inhibit and eliminate their growth.

FAQs

Can copper tape really deter slugs and snails?

Yes, copper tape can be an effective deterrent. When slugs and snails come into contact with copper, it reacts with their slime and produces a mild electric shock, which repels them.

Is it safe to use salt to kill slugs and snails?

While salt effectively kills slugs and snails, it can also harm your plants and soil. Using salt in your garden is not recommended as it can lead to soil degradation and plant damage.

How can growers effectively collect the slugs and snails from a garden?

Growers can conveniently collect slugs and snails from the plant setting. Growers can handpick them during their maximum activity or place a dish containing all the favorable conditions to attract them. Once trapped in it, growers may remove it from the garden. 

The Bottom Line 

Slug and snail infestations are common in plants and gardens. While they usually thrive in green spaces and help maintain healthy ecosystems, their numbers can increase quickly, which can harm plant growth. To prevent these negative effects, growers need to take timely action. They can use a mix of chemical and organic materials to control the slugs and snails and reduce the factors that contribute to their growth.

Growers can check out the Growcycle for effective insecticides to control slugs and snails and the best fertilizers for organic gardening.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.