Snail and Slug Barriers | How to Stop Slugs: Tips and Tricks

To install snail and slug barriers is one of the first things to do to protect vulnerable plants.

It is sometimes said that there is no effective obstacle to fend off slugs and snails, but this is not true; there are many effective barriers!

slug barrier
A slug barrier can protect, e.g., raised beds.

Slug Barriers

In this article, you will find seven methods to try if slugs and snails are attacking your plants:

  1. Mechanic Slug Fences
  2. Copper
  3. Slug Collars
  4. Protective Plant Covers
  5. Electric Slug Fences
  6. Garden Bells
  7. Slug-Repellent Coating

Mechanic Slug Fences

A rustproof metal slug fence is a classic obstacle against slugs and snails, and it has been successfully used in Northern Europe for more than 30 years.

Because the edges are bent in two directions, most slugs and snails cannot climb over this barrier.

Their high effectiveness has made slug fences popular.


Slug & Snail Fence | Protective Barrier

Click on the image leads to an offer on Amazon.

For sale on Etsy.


More information here: Slug fence overview.

Since I wanted to be sure that these fences work, I designed and conducted an experiment to test their effectiveness.

More information here: Slug fence test.

copper against slugs and snails

Copper

Copper is said to have a repulsive effect on snails, but this is controversial.

Therefore, I also tested the effects of copper, and my experiment indicated that a wide strip of copper deters most slugs and snails.

In the linked article below, you will find more information about the experiment.

Self-adhesive copper tape can be used in a variety of ways, particularly around raised beds, tubs, or other plant pots.

More information here:

Testing copper against snails


Copper barrier products

Slug Repellent Copper TapeCopper Mesh Fence
For sale on AmazonFor sale on Amazon

Slug Collars

Snail and slug collars are also a useful method to successfully stop slugs and snails.

Similar to metal slug fences, the edges of slug collars are also bent, but only once. This is why slug collars are a little less effective than slug fences.

These collars are put over individual plants. They protect flowers and vegetables when they are most vulnerable: during their growing phase. Some plants can even be protected throughout their whole life cycle, as is true of the runner bean in the picture.

Their biggest advantage is that they are relatively cheap, making them accessible to most gardeners.

More information here: Snail and slug collars.


Slug Collars | Multipack

Click on the image leads to an offer on Amazon.


Protective Plant Covers

Protective plant covers secure young plants against rain, wind, and frost, as well as snails, slugs, and birds.

This allows seedlings to grow undisturbed.

Once the plants have grown up, slugs and snails usually cannot damage them anymore.

More information here:

Plant covers against slugs and snails


Plant cover products

Protective Plant CoverProtective Sun Hat
For sale on AmazonFor sale on Amazon

Electric Slug Fences

To build an electric slug fence, two parallel metal bands are installed on an enclosure and then connected to a rechargeable battery.

Once it has been turned on, critters that try to pass the fence will receive an electric shock and turn around.

If the electric fence is maintained, it can provide consistent protection against slimy invasive species.

You can find an electric slug fence here: offer on Esty.

More information here:

Electric slug fence


Garden cloche / Victorian bells

Like plant covers, nursery garden bells protect plants from snails, birds, and the weather.

Garden bells are typically larger than plant covers and can protect plants for a longer period.

Compared to plant covers, however, garden bells are much pricier.

More information here:

Garden cloches / Victorian bells against slugs and snails


Garden bell products

Protective Plant BellLarge Garden Cloches
For sale on AmazonFor sale on Amazon

Slug-Repellent Coating

Slug- and snail-repellent coatings, like Schnexagon, open up a new world of slug control possibilities.

Schnexagon can be painted on most surfaces, making many applications possible.

For example, Schnexagon can protect the entry areas of greenhouses and all types of planters and pots.

More information here: Slug-repellent paint—Schnexagon.


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Conclusion

There are many possibilities to block the way of slugs and snails.

Therefore, it is not necessary to use slug pellets or other baits to protect flowers and vegetables.


In addition, it is possible to cultivate slug-resistant vegetables and herbs.

There is also a long list of flowers that slugs dislike eating.


Flowers as protection against snails & slugs

Click on the image leads to an offer on Amazon.

Offers on Etsy.


angels trumpet slugresistant flowerWhich plants vegetables herbs slugs do not eat

Slug-resistant flowers

Slug-resistant plants


Long-term slug control focuses on attracting natural enemies of slugs and snails.

Here, you will find an overview of measures to control slugs and snails.

hedgehogs are shywhat do slugs like to eat

Attracting natural enemies

Snail and slug control overview


Peaceful Slug Control & Plant Protection

Slug Repellent Copper TapeGarden Cloche | Multipack
Offer on AmazonOffer on Amazon
Offers on eBayOffers on eBay

Sheep Wool PelletsSlug Collars | Multipack
Offer on AmazonOffer on Amazon
Offers on eBayOffers on eBay

Mindful consumption: Please only buy what you or your garden really need.


Last update: April 17, 2023


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6 thoughts on “Snail and Slug Barriers | How to Stop Slugs: Tips and Tricks”

    • Hello Greg, thank you for your question!
      To be honest – I don’t know. I will put it on my list for future tests!
      May you happily enjoy the fruits in your garden 🙂
      Alex

  1. I have at my disposal a quantity of copper filings. If these were sprinkled in a ring 3 inches from the plant would that deter slugs and snails

    Reply
    • It’s not going to be good for birds eating slugs with copper filings stuck to them.

  2. will dead pine needles place around the base of my concrete porch stop slugs from climbing up the porch screens and leaving a trail that is difficult to clean?

    Reply

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