Snails and slugs may look adorable in children’s books, but they are not welcoming. Once they enter your garden, these slippery, slimy, squishy pests nibble on everything - leaves, flowers, and fruits. They also leave behind holes in the leaves of fruits and vegetables, making the garden look unsightly.
As these slimy pests invade the garden at night, it can be challenging to figure out who’s responsible for the damage. But slugs leave behind the shiny mucus, which can help you find their hideouts. They should be controlled immediately, as they can lay up to 80 eggs at a time and up to six times a year. There are several ways to get rid of them, but vinegar works best.
Why Vinegar is the Best Solution for Slug Control?
Using harsh chemicals can harm your plants, and basic methods, such as using a cardboard box, may not work effectively. Hence, most homeowners trust vinegar to help control slugs in the garden. They are a natural solution and can be used as a pesticide due to their high acetic acid content. It can kill slugs on contact, and it is readily available at home.
Remember that applying vinegar to plants can be harmful. So, ensure to use it only on the slugs.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Vinegar for Slug Control
Here are a few things to keep in mind before using vinegar to get rid of slugs -
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Vinegar is effective against slugs and snails only when sprayed directly on them. Hence, it is advisable to use it on them when they’re found on soil or sidewalks.
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Vinegar is not suitable for squeamish pests, as vinegar can dissolve them, which can be unpleasant to clean up later.
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Vinegar also has a deterrent effect, as some homeowners and gardeners believe the remains of slugs might discourage others from entering the area.
How to Use Vinegar to Kill Slugs?
Here’s how to use vinegar to kill slugs -
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Add 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle.
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Mix it well so that the mixture combines well.
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Spray on any slugs or snails you see in the garden or on the sidewalks.
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You can add more water to the vinegar to make it usable near plants and shrubs.
| Notes | Be careful not to spray the solution on leaves or stems. |
Alternative Methods to Get Rid of Slugs
If you think vinegar might harm the garden plants, shrubs, and flowers, here are some other alternatives that can help you get rid of slugs -
Coffee Grounds
Caffeine is toxic to slugs and snails, which makes coffee grounds an effective deterrent. Sprinkle them around the plants, and they’ll keep these pests away naturally. Another option is to brew up a strong coffee, let it cool down, and then pour it around the plants where slugs are residing.
Herbal Repellants
Consider planting mint and sage in your garden, as they deter slugs and snails. In addition, you can also plant garlic, fennel, and geraniums to get rid of these slimy pests.
Citrus Peel
Don’t throw away your citrus and orange peel; instead, place them in your garden, as slugs are highly attracted to them. Hence, they act as a natural bait to drive them away from your plants and vegetables. You can place the peels in your garden beds at night and check them in the morning. If you find any slugs in there, throw them away and replace them with other peels.
Diatomaceous Earth
Apply the diatomaceous earth to garden soil. This will scratch the underside of the slug when it slithers over it, making it the best slug repellent. You can also use crushed eggshells.
Set Up Beer Traps
Slugs are attracted to beer. So pour some into a six to seven-inch container and fill them to within about an inch. Bury them so that the top of the container is leveled to the soil surface. This way, the slugs will fall into the beer trap and drown. Always be mindful after setting the trap, and continue to check it a few times a week.
Copper
Studies show that snails and slugs cannot crawl on the copper surface, as it gives them a mild electrical shock. You can put the copper band in the garden (around flower pots or garden beds). This will prevent them from damaging your crops, flowers, etc.
Conclusion
Vinegar has acetic acid, which repels and kills slugs and snails. However, it is important to ensure not to spray on them if they’re attached to a plant. This will kill the plant, too. Instead, you can dilute it with water to make it less concentrated and then spray over it. Alternatively, you can also use diatomaceous earth, copper bands, coffee grounds, etc., to repel and get rid of them.