ARE YOU READY FOR THIS YEAR’S SLUG & SNAIL INVASION?

Slugs and snails can be the number one enemy in the garden, eating their way through prized plants and blooms and devastating seedlings overnight.

Surprisingly, not all slugs and snails are harmful; there are many different species and some live entirely on decaying garden materials. The largest garden slugs are usually harmless, and the main damage is done by snails and those small greyish-white slugs.

Slugs are basically snails without shells, and move around on a muscular foot which secretes slime which it then glides over to get around more easily. Slugs and snails find it easier to move around in damp conditions as the slime absorbs moisture and makes it more efficient.

Underground, slugs will eat their way into potatoes and other root crops, while those above ground will attack vegetable and salad crops and the foliage of plants.

During very cold winters slugs can be killed off, but during milder winters they may stay active and remain on the surface of the soil rather than going deep into the ground. Snails usually spend the winter hiding under garden debris.

In the summer, if the conditions are very hot and sunny, slugs can ‘dry out’ and hard soil is difficult for them to burrow into. However, the usual damp and slightly cool British summers, create lush foliage and shelter from hot sun – ideal conditions for slugs.

Keeping garden soil turned over in the winter will go some way towards eradicating the slug problem as the clusters of white slug eggs will be exposed and make a tasty meal for wildlife such as hedgehogs, frogs and birds.

It’s always a good idea to keep the garden clean and tidy – regularly removing dead and dying plant debris which provides ideal shelters for slugs and snails. Keep a check on plants in flowerpots to expose any slugs hiding underneath, and also check shady areas where they congregate.

SLUG AND SNAIL CONTROL

Vitax PROVIDES three products to help with slug control:

VITAX SLUG DEATH XL

This is a ready-to-use bait containing ferric phosphate, and is deal for the control of slugs around edible and ornamental plants. A pelleted bait, it is suitable for organic gardening and is certified for use in organic systems.

The pellets should be evenly scattered on moist, bare soil or on paths and patios at 5g per square metre. The pellets swell by absorbing water and thereby becoming more attractive to slugs. After consuming the pellets the slugs and snails move away to die (usually underground) without leaving an unsightly mess to clear up.

When used as directed the pellets do not pose a risk to children and pets.

VITAX SLUG OFF

This is a 100% natural slug barrier, suitable for organic and traditional gardens. The non-toxic granules are used to make a physical barrier and stop the advance of slugs by absorbing their mucus and preventing further movement.

Pour Slug Off around the base of plants to create a barrier, making sure there are no gaps. Rebuild the barrier if it is disturbed, leaving no entry points for slugs and snails, and ensuring there aren’t any “bridges” of leaves for them to cross over.

Vitax Slug Off can also be used as a mulch dressing in pots, tubs and baskets and, due to its moisture holding ability, can be incorporated into the soil to encourage more rapid plant development and improved flowering.

Children and pets need not be kept away from treated areas.

COPPER SLUG TAPE

This is an adhesive copper slug barrier tape, designed to stop slugs and snails in their tracks and is ideal for protecting pots, tubs and greenhouse staging. The 4m pack contains enough tape to protect 12 x five inch pots.

When a slug or snail attempts to cross the copper strip, a tiny electrical charge is created naturally from within the copper, causing them to turn away.

A complete circle must be made around the pot or bed to protect the plants, and care should be taken to ensure overhanging plants don’t make a bridge for the pests to cross. For extra protection against snails, cut ¼” grooves in the tape before applying it.

As with any copper material, this tape will turn greenish with age but this does not affect the performance of the tape. This product is also suitable for organic gardening.