With the weather warm but the ground still wet, the slug population are about in force. There's a number of different slug killers and slug control products on the market today so here's a quick run down on my top 4 along with why and when they're best used.
1. Organic Slug Pellets
Certified as organic by the Organic Farmers & Growers this definitely tops my list of slug control products. The active ingredient is ferric phosphate (sometimes the brand name Ferramol is used).
Why do I like it?
- Harmless to anything other than slugs and snails
- After eating slugs stop feeding, then crawl away to die - no need to collect the dead slugs
- It's biodegradable, turning into iron and phosphate (which is actually beneficial to the soil)
- It's water proof - so it doesn't wash away. Slugs actually prefer to eat moist pellets
- Suitable to use around edible and non-edible plants in the garden and in pots and containers
You can find ferric phosphate in a number of different slug pellets including Growing Success Advanced Slug Pellets and Bayer Garden's Slug Bait.
2. Copper Tape
Copper tape is a very simple way to keep slugs away from pots and containers. This method is natural and organic, but won't keep slugs out of the flower bed. The copper tape acts as a barrier that a slug can't cross as the combination of 'slime' and copper produces an electrical charge that repels the slug.
To use copper tape, stick a thin band (about 1cm in width) all the way around a plant pot or container which the slugs can't then cross. Growing Success Slug Barrier is copper tape with an adhesive backing, ideal for this purpose.
3. Sharp Stones, Granules or Sand
Another form of slug deterrent which won't kill the slugs, but provides a barrier which they can't cross. Applying a layer of sharp sand, grit, shells or stones to the top of a plant pot, or by making a ring around 'protected' plants in the garden creates an area that a slug won't go on. The slugs dislike the sharp surface and they won't cross it.
This method is both organic and natural, but it can be a bit fiddly. The barrier needs to be topped up after a rainfall as it tends to wash away. If the area you need to protect is large, then you may find the job too big to keep on top of.
You can buy Growing Success' Slug Stop which is made from crushed volcanic stones, which is ideal for this task.
4. Metaldehyde
My least favourite method of slug control. Metaldehyde is a chemical which is widely used in the UK as a slug and snail killer. It is usually combined with an animal repellent as a pellet to stop it being accidentally eaten by animals - or in liquid form when it is transparent and can't be seen by animals.
Metaldehyde pellets when used as directed, are safe for animals and can be used around edible and non edible plants. They are shower proof and they do biodegrade. They're usually blue (this stops them being eaten by birds who can't see them and won't mistake them for seed).
Metaldehyde liquid can't be used around edible plants. It forms a clear layer on the surface which is poisonous to slugs or snails. Metaldehyde liquid needs to be re-applied if it rains heavily as it is soluble in water.
You can find metaldehyde in Bayer Garden's Slug and Snail Killer as pellets or in Scotts Slug Clear in its liquid form.
The Legal Bit
- Advanced Slug Killer contains 10g/kg ferric phosphate
- Slug Bait contains 10g/kg ferric phosphate
- Slug & Snail Killer contains 3% metaldehyde
- SlugClear contains 228g/l metaldehyde
Always read the label. Use safely.
