Effective Strategies for Controlling Slugs and Snails in the Garden

Understanding Slugs and Snails

In many regions, slugs and snails rank among the most frustrating garden pests. These similar creatures—slugs are essentially snails without shells—feed on ornamental plants, vegetables, and flowers by chewing tissue with their rasping mouthparts, leaving telltale silvery slime trails. They pose a particular threat to citrus trees.

Natural and Mechanical Controls

Shiny black ground beetles consume some snail and slug eggs. Handpicking effectively reduces adult populations; speed the process by placing a slightly elevated board in the garden where pests congregate in the cool shade underneath, making disposal easy. Beer traps set slightly below ground level also work well—pests are drawn to the stale beer, crawl in, and drown.

Barrier Methods

Protect citrus and other trees by encircling trunks with a 4-inch-wide band of copper stripping; slugs and snails won't cross it. Vertical copper strips can form protective fences around valuable plants or entire beds. Alternatively, surround plants with 4- to 5-inch-wide sawdust "moats," though these are less effective in wet weather.

Chemical Controls

Baits containing metaldehyde or methiocarb provide chemical control. Exercise caution if children or pets use the garden, as these baits are attractive to them as well.