If your plants are being ravaged by slugs, consider offering them a beer as a countermeasure.
A tried-and-true method of controlling slugs and snails in your garden is the use of beer traps. These simple and organic tools attract the pests with their yeasty, fermented odor, causing them to crawl in and drown [1][2][3].
To create a beer trap, follow these steps:
- Choose a container that can hold approximately 2-3 inches of beer.
- Dig a hole to hold the container, ensuring its top is level with the soil surface.
- Fill the container almost to the top with beer.
- Cut holes around the top edge of the container for the creatures to crawl through.
- Place the trap in areas of the garden where slug problems are the greatest.
- Check the traps daily and add beer as needed.
- Dead slugs and snails can be removed and added to the compost or left in the yard for slug predators.
For optimal results, consider these additional tips:
- Use inexpensive supermarket beer, as it's the yeast smell that attracts slugs, not the brand or alcohol content [3].
- Place traps no more than about 3 feet apart near susceptible plants, since slugs can smell yeast within that range [4].
- Cover the trap loosely to prevent rain from diluting the beer, which reduces its attractiveness [1][3].
- Use closed containers with side holes rather than open shallow pans, to prevent slugs from escaping after entering [4].
Alternatives to beer include homemade substitutes made from yeast, flour, sugar, and water. However, beer is a proven and convenient option that is also non-toxic and safe for wildlife, unlike chemical pellets [1][2].
While beer traps are effective, they require regular maintenance to sustain their effectiveness [1][2]. Other methods such as manual removal, habitat cleanup, and copper tape barriers can be used in combination for even better results [1][2][3].
Remember, slugs and snails have about 27,000 tiny teeth and their destructive habits include chewing plants, leaving gaping holes and shiny, slimy trails. They can cause damage to garden plants, including kale, hostas, strawberries, tomatoes, and other fresh and juicy plants [5].
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[1] RHS (2021) Slug and Snail Control. Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=470 [2] Gardening Know How (2021) How to Make a Slug Trap. Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-care/pests/slugs/how-to-make-a-slug-trap.htm [3] BBC Gardeners' World (2021) Slug Control. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/advice/pests/slug_and_snail_control [4] The Spruce (2021) How to Make a Slug Trap. Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/make-a-slug-trap-3123876 [5] HGTV (2021) How to Get Rid of Slugs. Available at: https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/outdoor-living/gardening-and-landscaping/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs [6] Platform Newsletter Sign-up Page (2021) Available at: https://www.platform.com/newsletter-signup
For those looking to expand their home-and-garden lifestyle and maintain a healthy, pest-free garden, implementing beer traps for slug and snail control can be an effective and organic solution. To create a beer trap, select a container, dig a hole for it, fill it with beer, and place it in areas where slug problems are prevalent. Regularly check and maintain the traps for optimal results.
