If slugs are causing havoc in your garden and you’re keen to get rid of them, you can turn to a common kitchen staple to help you tackle the pests with ease
Slugs can be a gardener’s worst nightmare, causing chaos on plants and flowers with their insatiable hunger. Luckily, there’s an effective and budget-friendly solution that might already be in your kitchen – salt. This common household item can help you reclaim your garden from these slimy nuisances. Salt dehydrates slugs, leading to their downfall.
When sprinkled on a slug, the salt draws water out of the pest’s body through osmosis, effectively killing it. This method is not only inexpensive but also highly effective. While salt can be a powerful weapon against slugs, it must be used with caution to avoid damaging your plants or soil.
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If you spot slugs, you can sprinkle a small amount of salt directly on them. Be sure to do this in the evening or early morning when slugs are most active, reports the Express.
Another method is to create a barrier by lightly sprinkling salt around the base of plants or garden beds. This can deter slugs from crossing the salt line.
However, be careful not to over-apply, as too much salt can harm the soil and plant roots. You can also mix a solution of salt and water (about one tablespoon of salt per litre of water) and spray it directly on slugs.
This method allows for controlled application and can be particularly useful for treating larger areas. Excessive salt can lead to soil salinity issues, which can harm plants. Use only as much as needed to control the slug population.
Concentrate on the areas where slugs are most prevalent, like damp, shaded parts of your garden.
Combine the salt treatment with other slug control methods, such as copper tape, diatomaceous earth, and natural predators like birds and frogs, to avoid depending too heavily on one single method.