Can sheep’s wool deter slugs and snails? The theory: Wool and hair absorb the slime from slugs and snails and thereby repel them. Some of the ingredients in the wool (such as salt) might also be responsible. In field tests, I found out how sheep wool can work to control slugs. Does Sheep’s Wool/Hair Deter […]
Category: Mulch Material Test
Using Lime in the Garden Against Snails and Slugs
How Does Lime Work? This method relies on the corrosive effect of lime and on the fact that it absorbs moisture. For these reasons, snails avoid crawling over lime. If they did, they would lose a lot of mucus and, in the process, vital body fluid. Some people also believe that a snail’s sole or […]
Wood Ash to Deter Slugs and Snails in the Garden | Does It Work?
The Theory: Ash Should Repel Slugs and Snails The drier it is underground, the harder it becomes for slugs and snails to move around. So, dusting the soil with ash should mean it becomes less attractive for slugs to cross. Moving on the ash makes slugs and snails lose fluid and slime, so they find […]
Crushed Sea/Oyster Shells as Snail and Slug Protection
Mulch from crushed seashells should serve as a slug and snail defense. Does it work? Usually, crushed oyster shells are used to feed laying hens. The shells contain a lot of lime, which is needed by the hens for the production of eggs. In addition, crushed shells are used on sidewalks, where they harden to […]
Do Sawdust and Wood Shavings Help Against Slugs and Snails?
As sawdust and wood shavings are very dry and rough, and absorb liquids such as slime quickly, snails and slugs should be reluctant to crawl over them. But is this true? I did a test to find out. Can Sawdust / Shavings Be Applied to Deter Slugs? The theory: Spreading the shavings at least 2 […]
Mulch Barriers to Protect Plants Against Snails and Slugs: Do They Work?
A mulch that not only keeps soil moist and weed free but also repels snails and slugs – would that not be wonderful? Many approaches promise precisely that and are widely publicized on the internet: coffee grounds sawdust sheep’s wool and more… Unfortunately, information on the effectiveness of these materials is contradictory. Not only that, […]
Rock Dust: Can Tiny Stones Stop Slugs and Snails?
Some people suggest using rock dust/rock flour to build little walls around plants. These walls should protect them against slugs and snails. Does Rock Dust/Powder/Minerals/Flour Work Against Slugs? This method is based on the fact that snails do not like to crawl over dry materials. Therefore, slugs will also avoid rock dust. The theory is […]
Coffee Grounds Against Slugs and Snails: Do They Really Work?
Using coffee grounds against snails in the garden is a much-discussed method. Now coffee has to show what it can really do against slugs and snails. Does Coffee Help with Slugs and Snails? Putting coffee grounds in garden beds is said to help deter slugs and snails. At the same time, there are reports that […]
Crushed Eggshells Against Slugs and Snails? | Field Test
Some people believe that crushed eggshells can be used to form snail and slug barriers. Is this just another garden myth, or is there something to it? In theory, crushed eggshells are so sharp that slugs and snails would hurt themselves climbing over them. Shells scattered around the plants would therefore build defensive walls. Critical […]
Diatomaceous Earth for Slugs and Snails | Not a Good Idea!?
(Diatomaceous earth is also known as DE, diatomite, kieselguhr or kieselgur.) When diatomaceous earth is dry, slugs and snails do not like to crawl over it. But some do it anyway and when it gets wet, it loses its repelling effect completely. Furthermore, it is an insecticide that affects bees and other beneficial insects. Last […]
