If slugs are causing chaos in your garden, there’s a natural, chemical-free method to send them packing – and all you need is an empty grapefruit rind to do it
For those frustrated with slugs turning their gardens into a buffet, there’s a startlingly straightforward solution that could defend your green space – and it revolves around an ordinary piece of fruit. Ditch the chemicals and embrace this natural remedy for keeping slimy intruders at bay.
The Guardian’s gardening expert Alys Fowler has a brilliant tip for outsmarting these garden pests using no more than leftover grapefruit shells. “I find empty grapefruit halves are good for catching slugs. Leave them on the ground, rind-side up, for a day or two. Once they have filled up, you can dispose of the slugs and chuck the rind in the bin,” she advises.
You’ve got nothing to lose but the slugs. Simply entice them away from your beloved plants, scoop them up, and off to the bin they go.
The reason it works is because slugs are drawn to the grapefruit’s juicy skin which provides a great source of food. They also enjoy the sheltered, moist environment that the rind creates.
So, how do you go about setting up your trap? Post-grapefruit breakfast, lay the hollowed-out skins in your flowerbeds, making sure the juicy side is touching the earth.
This is where the plan comes to fruition. Slugs can’t resist the scent and shelter, and will crawl into the makeshift hideaway as evening falls.
Come daylight, a quick check will reveal a huddle of unwanted guests ready for eviction, reports the Express. At this point, you can pick them up and put them in a bin, or a bucket of soapy water to get rid of them.
This eco-friendly tactic is a winner not only for its effectiveness but also for its sustainability. By repurposing kitchen scraps, you’re safeguarding your shrubs without resorting to nasty pesticides.
Your pets, bees, and other critters stay safe, and you’re composting like a pro. Remember, though you shouldn’t overload your heap with citrus, tossing in the odd grapefruit shell won’t hurt.
Whether you’re cultivating herbs, vegetables, or decorative plants, this tip is a must-try for any environmentally-minded gardener. So the next time you enjoy a grapefruit, don’t bin the peel – transform it into a slug trap and reclaim your garden.
Don’t worry if you don’t have grapefruit lying around your fruit bowl at home, either. This bitter fruit can be picked up in most supermarkets and is relatively inexpensive. You can find red grapefruit from Sainsbury’s for a bargain 49p.
If slugs are still plaguing your garden, another effective hack is to create a beer trap. This is a similar natural remedy that won’t harm your garden.
All it involves is filling an empty container with beer and placing it near your garden bed. Slugs will be drawn by the yeast in the beer, fall in and drown.