Slugs are a common garden pest that can cause significant damage to plants by chewing through leaves, flowers, and vegetables. They are attracted to moist environments and can be found in gardens, flowerbeds, and even potted plants.

There are many ways to eliminate slugs from your garden, but not all methods work for everyone. Here are some effective ways to eliminate slugs regardless of what they eat:.

1. Handpicking

Handpicking is the most time-consuming method to eliminate slugs, but it is also the most effective. You can easily grab the slugs and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water or by feeding them to your pets or chickens.

It is essential to do this regularly to keep the slug population under control.

2. Beer Traps

Beer traps are an easy and cheap way to eliminate slugs. The yeast in beer attracts slugs, and they crawl into the trap and drown. You can make a beer trap by burying a jar in the ground so that the top of the jar is level with the soil.

Fill the jar halfway with beer and leave it overnight. Repeat this process as needed.

3. Copper barriers

Copper barriers are an excellent way to deter slugs from entering your garden. Copper reacts with the slug’s slime, creating a mild electric shock that repels them. Copper barriers can be made from copper strips or wire.

Install them around your garden, flower beds, or pots to keep the slugs away.

4. Eggshells

The sharp edges of crushed eggshells can deter slugs. Spread crushed eggshells around your plants and on the soil to create a barrier that the slugs can’t cross. The eggshells also provide calcium to the soil, which is beneficial to plants.

5. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural product made from fossilized diatoms. The sharp edges of the diatoms can cut through the slug’s skin, causing them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the soil around your plants to eliminate slugs.

6. Slug Pellets

Slug pellets contain metaldehyde or ferric phosphate, which are poisonous to slugs. Follow the package instructions and sprinkle the pellets around your garden or on the soil around your plants.

Slug pellets can be harmful to other animals and should be used with caution.

7. Garlic Spray

Garlic spray is a natural and safe way to eliminate slugs. Chop up garlic and mix it with water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on the soil and plants to deter slugs. Reapply the spray every few days.

8. Nematodes

Nematodes are microscopic organisms that are natural predators of slugs. You can buy nematodes and mix them with water. Spray this mixture on the soil and plants to eliminate the slugs.

Nematodes should be applied regularly to keep the slug population under control.

9. Handmade Slug Traps

You can make your slug traps by placing a shallow container like a yogurt cup in the ground, filled with beer or water. Place the container to the soil level with the rim flush to the surface of the soil.

The slugs will crawl into the container and drown.