Control of slugs and snails in your garden

Growing your own vegetables is very rewarding. That is, until the pests arrive. One of the most aggravating nightmares for the gardener is slugs and snails. They appear, usually at night, when you sleep and cannot pluck them, and nibble on all your prized seedlings and plants. The appearance of holes in the middle of the leaves is a specific clue to a snail problem. Those silvery silt trails on leaves and ground may look pretty and shiny in the sun, but they are a death sentence for your tender young plants. Pests will continue until there are no leaves left to maintain the life of the plant.

The amount of plants I have lost to these pests is frustrating. Not only is the problem a time-consuming annoyance, it is also costly to replace those ruined plants. As a beginning gardener, the battle with pests in my garden almost made me want to abandon the idea. However, with a little maintenance and care, these voracious pests will not be a problem.

First, it is important to remove as many hiding places for them as possible. That means keeping the grass short and removing buckets or debris that they can shelter under. Keep other plants trimmed from the garden, as any vegetation will be a haven for slugs and snails.

Next, you will need to employ some pest control method. There are numerous products available on the market for such a problem. Slug and snail bait will attract pests and reduce their pecking at your plants.

The key things to keep in mind when using slug and snail baits are:

Check that it is safe.

Ideally, you want a product that is safe for children, birds, pets, and beneficial insects. Most brands employ a bitter agent in their granules, making them unappetizing for anything except their intended purposes. Poisoning is still possible, so shop around for the best possible option.

Choose a product that is beneficial for the garden.

Some varieties will feed garden plants once they begin to decompose. Others may not break down or only provide negligible nutrients to the soil.

Use it at the right time.

Slugs and snails will come out after rain or watering, so it is important to put the pellets in place after these events for maximum effect. Older granules will not be as successful once soaked, so a new application is required.

Choose carefully where to apply the bait.

If you are concerned about possible pet or child poisoning, place it in areas where there is less chance of accidental or curious ingestion. This may require putting in a pet-proof cover or cage. It will also help to place the bait under larger leaves.

Avoid contamination.

The ingredients in the granules will poison waterways and ponds. They can also contaminate edible portions of vegetables if placed on top of them. Always wash your hands thoroughly after applying them in the garden.

If not, there are alternative methods of control. Salt, sawdust, crushed eggshell, and beer can be used with varying degrees of success.

Happy gardening!