How to Get Rid of Slugs in the Garden

Slugs can be a major nuisance in gardens, destroying flowers, vegetables, and other plants. Getting rid of garden slugs takes some work, but there are many effective organic, chemical-free methods available. With consistent prevention and control, you can have a slug-free garden.

Why Slugs are Problematic in Gardens

Slugs are mollusks that feed on decaying plant material and living plants. Their soft bodies allow them to squeeze into tight spaces and their rasping mouthparts can destroy tender seedlings overnight.

Some reasons why slugs cause problems in gardens include:

Eat foliage and stems – Slugs chew irregular holes in leaves, leaves skeletonized, and can eat stems and flowers. This damage is very visible and unsightly.
Feed on seedlings – Tiny, emerging seedlings are very vulnerable to slugs. They can wipe out a whole row or bed of seedlings in one night.
Spread disease – Slugs can spread fungal diseases between plants as they feed.
Increase in wet weather – Cool, damp conditions bring slugs out in force. Wet soil and lots of lush growth creates the perfect slug habitat.
Nocturnal habits – Slugs often feed at night and hide during the day, making them harder to detect.
Quick to reproduce – Slug populations can explode very rapidly, increasing the amount of damage done. A single slug can lay hundreds of eggs.

Controlling slugs takes persistence and has to be ongoing to prevent them multiplying out of control. But with the right techniques, you can effectively protect your plants.

Organic Ways to Control Slugs

There are many effective organic methods to reduce slugs in the garden or around potted plants. With an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, you can keep slug populations low without using any harsh chemicals.

Remove Shelter and Debris

Slugs seek out cool, moist areas to hide during the day. Removing shelter makes the habitat less appealing.

Eliminate weeds around planting beds. Weeds hold moisture and create hiding spots.
Remove boards, stones, debris that slugs could hide under during the day.
Clear up fallen leaves, mulch, and other organic matter around plants.
Keep the garden tidy with regular maintenance.

Slugs also lay eggs in soil, compost heaps, under boards, and in other protected areas. Regular cleaning and removing possible breeding spots helps disrupt their life cycle.

Create Physical Barriers

Barriers can be very effective to prevent slugs reaching plants.

Copper tape repels slugs – the copper reacts with the slime they secrete and gives them a mild shock. Wrap copper tape around pots or raised beds.
Diatomaceous earth sprinkled around plants can deter slugs. The sharp remains of the diatoms are uncomfortable for slugs to crawl over. Reapply after rain.
Crushed eggshells also make a sharp barrier that slugs avoid.Sprinkle around seedlings or the base of plants.
Small plastic plant collars can prevent slugs chewing seedlings at soil level. Keep them snug to the stem.
Gravel mulches are too hard for slugs to crawl over easily. Surround plants with gravel.

Replacing mulch with less slug appealing options can also help. Pine needles or wood chips make the habitat less hospitable.

Manual Removal

One of the most effective organic methods is regular handpicking of slugs. Go out at night with a flashlight and remove any slugs you find on plants or hiding nearby. Dropping them into a bucket of soapy water will kill them.

You can also set out small boards for slugs to hide under during the day, then collect and dispose of them. Be consistent, as any slugs not removed can quickly lay hundreds of eggs.

Biological Controls

Encourage natural predators to reduce slug populations:

Ground beetles, fireflies, frogs, toads, turtles, and birds like ducks and chickens will all eat slugs. Avoid killing them in the garden.
Attract insect predators by planting flowers that supply pollen and nectar, like alyssum, cosmos, and calendula.
Use nematodes that will attack slug larvae in the soil. Apply beneficial nematodes every 2-4 weeks during wet weather.
Introduce parasitic flies – some species will lay eggs on slugs, and the larvae kill the slugs when they hatch.

Promoting a balanced ecosystem allows natural biocontrols to thrive and keep pests like slugs under control.

Traps

Different traps can be used to catch large numbers of slugs:

Beer traps – shallow dishes sunk into the soil with cheap beer attracts slugs overnight. Dispose of drowned slugs in the morning.
Fruit or vegetable peel traps – place peelings around plants to lure in slugs that can then be collected.
Egg shell traps – crushed shells scattered around plants get stuck to the slug’s body making it hard for them to move.

Check traps frequently and remove any slugs caught. Combine trapping with other methods for a more effective control.

Chemical-Free Slug Killers

For stubborn slug problems, natural chemical-free products can give more powerful control:

Iron Phosphate Slug Bait

Iron phosphate slug bait is safe for pets and wildlife when used correctly. It is approved for organic gardening:

Iron phosphate baits kill slugs after they ingest it, stopping the damage.
It does not harm beneficial earthworms or other soil organisms.
Irritates slugs less than metaldehyde baits so there is less bait shyness.
Remains effective after light rain compared to metaldehyde that can wash away.

Apply bait in the evening around affected plants, reapplying every 7-10 days. Scatter the small blue-green pellets on the soil surface near plants. Avoid placing inside plant pots where pets could eat it.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) applied as a dusting on leaves, stems at soil level can deter and damage slugs:

DE is made of sharp silica particles that abrade the slug’s protective mucus coating.
Causes the slug to dry out, while protecting plants from feeding damage.
Must be reapplied regularly after rain or watering.
Will not harm worms or beneficial soil life.

Use food-grade DE and avoid breathing in the fine dust. Apply with care just to the plants, not all over the garden.

Slug Salts

Salt can be sprinkled around plants to create an abrasive barrier for slugs. Use regular table salt, kosher salt, or rock salt:

The salt draws out moisture, causing dehydration when slugs crawl over it.
Apply a ring of salt around vulnerable seedlings or plants. 1 inch wide band is sufficient.
Reapply after rain or watering washes the salt away.

Too much salt can damage soil and plants so apply sparingly. Other methods may be longer lasting in wet conditions.

Poison Baits to Avoid

Some common slug baits and pellets are poisonous to pets, people, and wildlife, or may contaminate soil and waterways. Avoid using:

Metaldehyde – can be toxic to dogs and other animals if eaten. Also very harmful to earthworms and soil health over time.
Methiocarb – can be toxic to pets.
Carbamates – older types of carbamate slug bait are toxic and no longer recommended. Newer baits may still be harmful to pets or the environment.

Read labels carefully and research any baits before purchase. For organic gardens, stick to iron phosphate or natural control methods.

Prevent Slugs in Garden Beds

Good garden maintenance and planning can help reduce the slug population and restrict access to your vegetables and plants.

Choose Slug Resistant Varieties

Some plants are less affected by slug damage, either with thick leaves or because they contain chemical deterrents. Choosing more resistant varieties avoids problems:

Lettuce – Pick oakleaf, Buttercrunch types, or slug-resistant hybrids.
Hostas – Plant thick leathery varieties like Hosta plantaginea that are not as attractive to slugs.
Ornamentals – Lavender, geraniums, daffodils, iris, fuchsia.
Herbs – Chives, garlic, curry plant, thyme, wormwood.
Vegetables – Beans, squash, pumpkins, sweet potato vines.

Check when purchasing as some resistant varieties are now available.

Remove Hiding Places

Eliminate any potential shelter that slugs could use to hide during the day:

Weeds – hoe regularly and prevent weeds near vegetable rows.
Leaf litter & debris – remove this moist environment.
Boards – store off the ground and away from planting area.
Overgrown areas – trim back dense vegetation.
Raised beds – line underneath with copper tape or barriers.

Without places to shelter, slug populations will decline.

Use Gravel or Barriers

Make it harder for slugs to reach emerging shoots:

Place collars around seedlings – cheap plastic ones can be bought.
Surround plants with sharp gravel, crushed shells, or diatomaceous earth.

Renew barriers regularly so there are no gaps slugs can pass through.

Water Carefully

Too much moisture encourages slugs. Let the soil dry out between watering:

Water in the morning to allow plants to dry out during the day.
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses rather than sprinklers.
Improve drainage in boggy areas of the garden.
Mulch to retain moisture in the soil, not on the surface.

Check Regularly

Inspect the garden thoroughly over a few nights:

Go out after dark with a flashlight to spot slugs on your plants before damage is visible.
Check under boards, rocks, and dark, damp areas slugs like to hide.
Look for slime trails on leaves and stems, and shiny egg clusters in the soil.
Capture slugs and remove them.

Being vigilant is key to controlling slug populations early before they explode.

Attract Natural Predators

Encourage slug predators to your garden:

Include flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen for predators.
Put out toad houses, and shallow dishes of water to attract frogs.
Avoid using chemicals and insecticides that would harm slug predators.
Let areas grow a little wild to shelter ground beetles, fireflies, and other slug eaters.

Rotate Crops

Change crop locations each season to disrupt slug cycles:

Do not plant vulnerable seedlings in the same spot as last year.
Rotate through all parts of the growing area over successive seasons.

This limits the buildup of slug eggs and larvae in the soil in one place.

How to Stop Slugs on Potted Plants

Container plants are very susceptible to slugs and snails. Their confined soil and moist compost makes an attractive refuge. Keep potted plants protected with these approaches:

Repel Slugs

Make pots less appealing:

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the soil surface and around plants.
Place crushed eggshells on top of compost.
Set pots on a bed of gravel that slugs cannot crawl over easily.
Use copper tape wrapped around the inside rim of pots.
Plant less vulnerable varieties if possible.

Renew barriers regularly to maintain protection.

Isolate and Elevate Pots

Keep vulnerable plants out of reach:

Isolate plants on stands or benches away from possible slug shelter.
Keep pots up on feet or blocks to limit access from the ground.
For seedlings, place containers inside a tray of water to create a moat.

Even a few inches elevation can reduce slug and snail damage.

Check Regularly

Inspect pots carefully:

Look under leaves for shiny slime trails and under pots for hiding slugs.
Go out at night with a flashlight to catch slugs climbing pots.
Lay boards on the ground to attract slugs to collect.

Be vigilant for the first signs of leaf chewing or slime to control invaders early.

Bait and Trap

Use contained bait stations:

Bury plastic cups containing iron phosphate bait or beer flush with soil.
Set jar lids filled with beer on gravel around pots to attract slugs overnight.

Trapping is effective but must be ongoing to control new slugs.

Remove Slugs

Collect any slugs and snails you find:

Pick off plants and drop into soapy water to kill.
Use tweezers or gloved hands to avoid slime contact.

Check under leaves, near drainage holes, and when watering for hiding slugs. Removing them directly provides immediate protection.

With constant vigilance, container plants can be kept free of these annoying pests even in wet conditions.

How to Get Rid of Slugs Naturally in Lawns and Turf

Slugs can be active at night feeding on tender grass shoots and seedlings in lawns. Manage them without chemicals using organic methods:

Maintain Good Soil Health

Healthy soil supports beneficial predators that will help control slugs:

Aerate compacted areas so soil and grass roots can breathe.
Overseed thin or bare patches slugs can invade.
Leave grass clippings to return nutrients or compost into the soil.
Apply compost tea or organic fertilizer to improve microbial activity.

Adjust Watering and Growth

Overwatering and excessive growth creates a perfect slug habitat:

Allow soil to dry slightly between watering to be less damp.
Set mower height higher to encourage deeper roots and less lush top growth.
Avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen that gives excessive green growth.

Manage turf so it is healthy but not too succulent and moist.

Remove Hiding Spots

Eliminate places slugs spend the day:

Remove weeds around lawn edges where slugs shelter.
Cut back overgrown areas and dense ground covers.
Clear fallen leaves, debris, and boards slugs could hide under.
Raise branches and trim vegetation to reduce shade and moisture.

Restricting their hiding places makes the area less attractive.

Use Organic Slug Bait

Apply an organic bait product:

Use iron phosphate pellets that are pet and wildlife safe.
Scatter bait only where slug damage is visible.
Reapply bait every 2 weeks for heavy infestations.

Baiting selectively targets slugs eating the lawn and avoids overuse.

Let Predators Thrive

Avoid pesticides that would kill slug predators:

Welcome birds, frogs, beetles, fireflies, and other slug eaters.
Plant nectar sources like cosmos, alyssum, and calendula to attract predatory insects.

Natural biological control helps maintain balance without chemicals.

Monitor for the silvery slime trails of slugs feeding at night. Take action early before extensive damage or bare patches appear in lawn. With smart organic practices, you can deter slugs and protect a lush green lawn.

When to Remove Slugs from the Garden

Timing is critical in controlling slugs before populations explode:

Spring

Search for shiny pearl-like slug eggs in soil and under debris. Remove them or sprinkle with salt.
Put out boards at night to trap emerging slugs. Check every morning.
Apply iron phosphate bait as soon as damage is seen. Target damp, shady areas.
Handpick slugs after dark and drop in soapy water. Be thorough.
Check seedlings daily and apply barriers like diatomaceous earth to protect.

Early control stops exponential population growth through spring.

Summer

In midsummer inspect gardens after a long dry spell. Slugs will be deep under mulch or boards.
Clear thick layers of leaves and debris they are hiding in during the day.
Use a flashlight at night to find slugs out feeding again after rain. Remove them.
Apply salt barriers around freshly planted vegetables and new transplants.
Check under flower pots before watering and remove any slugs hiding there.

Prevent slugs multiplying rapidly after summer rains.

Fall

Slugs lay masses of eggs in fall. Digging up soil will find them. Remove the shiny pearl-like clusters.
Rake fallen leaves thoroughly to disrupt slug shelters before composting leaves.
Cut back dense ground covers and vegetation to remove moist hiding places.
Manage compost and debris piles to kill slug eggs and larvae over winter.

Prevent huge populations emerging next spring by controlling fall and winter breeding.

Be vigilant during ideal slug weather – cool and damp conditions. Getting on top of infestations early is key for prevention.

FAQs about Controlling Garden Slugs

How do I get rid of slugs overnight?

For fast control, go out after dark and handpick any slugs on plants. Drop into a container of soapy water to kill. Apply diatomaceous earth, salt, or iron phosphate bait for ongoing protection.

What scent keeps slugs away?

Strong scents deter slugs, especially when applied around vulnerable plants. Crush garlic cloves or sprinkle dried garlic powder. Ground cinnamon, coffee grounds, and cayenne pepper can also repel slugs. Reapply aromatics after rain.

Do slugs have any natural predators?

Yes, many animals prey on slugs, helping control their populations:

Birds – ducks, chickens, thrushes, starlings
Amphibians – frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders