Installing 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 Barriers
In this article, you will find seven methods to try if slugs and snails are attacking your plants:
- Mechanic Slug Fences
- Copper
- Slug Collars
- Protective Plant Covers
- Electric Slug Fences
- Garden Bells
- 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 the image to see the offer on Amazon
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
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:
Copper barrier products
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| Slug Repellent Copper Tape | Copper Mesh Fence |
| View on Amazon | View 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 the image to see the 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
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| Protective Plant Cover | Protective Sun Hat |
| View on Amazon | View 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.
More information here:
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
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| Protective Plant Bell | Large Garden Cloches |
| View on Amazon | View 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.
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.
Electric protection against snails & slugs
Click the image to see the offer on Amazon.
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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.
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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 |
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| 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 “Snail and Slug Barriers”. Not every method suits every garden, so here are gentle alternatives and an overview of what works.
Overview of methods
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if youve got a slug problem in your garden get yourself some ducks.
Good day
Will steel wool collars work to repel slugs?
Greg
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
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
It’s not going to be good for birds eating slugs with copper filings stuck to them.
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?