(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 […]
Category: Mulch Material Test
Rock Dust: Can Tiny Stones Stop Slugs & 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 […]
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, […]
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
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/or 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 […]
Hair or Wool to Control Slugs and Snails – Organic Plant Protection
The theory behind this method is that all slugs and snails move on a slime layer. Since hair or sheep’s wool would absorb the mucus, it repels slugs and snails from moving over it. At least that’s what you can read about this measure to control against slugs. Sheep’s Wool Pellets Against Slugs & Snails […]
Coffee Grounds Against Slugs and Snails. Does It Really Work?
To use coffee grounds is a much-discussed method against snails in the garden. Here it will be tested. Now coffee has to show what it really can do against slugs and snails. Does coffee help with snails? It is often reported that coffee grounds on the beds and around the plants would help to deter […]
Do Crushed Eggshells Really Work Against Snails and Slugs?
Sometimes it is claimed that crushed eggshells can be used as a snail and slug barrier. But is this only 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. Therefore, shells scattered around the plants could become a […]
