Can garlic repel and deter slugs and snails?
Garlic is supposed to help against almost everything—for example against ticks, moles, voles, and now also against snails.
Here is a test that shows how slugs and snails react to garlic.
Why should garlic work?
Snails and slugs do not eat garlic.
Leeks, chives, wild garlic and ornamental garlic are also only part of a slugs diet when they are sick or weak.
These plants therefore have means to deter slugs and snails.
How should garlic be used?
One idea is to transfer the protection of garlic to other plants.
To do this, you should make a garlic decoction and then spray it on endangered plants.
But does that help? How strong is the protection really?
Garlic against slugs & snails: Test
I cut garlic into thin slices and laid them out in a semicircle.
Then I placed freshly collected snails and slugs in the middle.
The following video shows what happened.
Video: Garlic against Snails | Time-lapse
You could really see a deterrent effect right from the start.
The smell alone seems to have repelled most slugs and snails at first.
But then some turn around and just crawl over it.
So, the result was ambiguous.
There was a deterrent effect, but not enough to prevent the snails from crawling over it.
Conclusion
It is doubtful whether garlic as a feeding inhibitor promises success.
Furthermore, it is questionable how long the protection of garlic might last and how quickly it will be washed off when it rains.
It might not be enough to spoil the appetite of slugs when the slugs’ favorite plants are available for selection.
Alternatives to garlic
Here you can find an overview with natural remedies against slugs and snails.
For example, you can plant slug-resistant vegetables and herbs.
In addition, you can protect individual plants with copper tape, garden cloche or slug collar.
Whole beds can be protected with special slug fences.
It is also advisable to consistently collect and set up live traps for slugs and snails.
Barriers for Snails & Slugs
Common Obstacles Are:
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| Slug fence test | Slug and snail collars |
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| Plant covers and garden cloches | Copper tape against slugs and snails |
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| Slug deterring paint/coating | Electric slug fences |
Resistant Plant Varieties
One intelligent way is to select flowers and vegetables in which slugs and snails show little or no interest.
Some vegetables that you do not want to miss are on the list of favorite foods for slugs and snails.
However, there are also many flowers, vegetables, and herbs that they dislike eating.
You will find more information here:
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| Slug-resistant flowers: perennials and annuals | Slug-resistant vegetables and herbs |
Peaceful Slug Control & Plant Protection
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| Snail & Slug Repellent Copper Tape | Adhesive | Anti-Slug Fence | Protective Barrier |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| or on eBay |
 |  |
| Sheep Wool Pellets | Natural Snail Repellent | Anti-Slug Collars | For Single Plants | Multipack |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| or on eBay | or on eBay |
Alternative WaysYou just read about “Does Garlic Help Against Snails & Slugs”. Not every method suits every garden, so here are gentle alternatives and an overview of what works.
Overview of methods
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Slug-resistant plants
Recommendations | Natural Protection
More Recommendations | Gentle Slug Protection
Mindful consumption: Please only buy what you or your garden really need.
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