Why You’re Seeing More Snails and Slugs in Your GardenWhy You’re Seeing More Snails and Slugs in Your Garden Mild Weather and Wet Conditions According to experts, the increase in mild and humid weather conditions this year has created an ideal environment for slugs and snails to thrive. Decline in Natural Enemies There has also been a decline in the population of their natural enemies, such as birds, frogs, and hedgehogs, which has contributed to their increase. Vulnerable Plants Slugs and snails are particularly attracted to young seedlings, leafy greens, and ornamentals like hostas and marigolds. Natural Slug Control Methods To control slug populations without harmful chemicals, gardeners can consider the following methods: * Handpicking: Regularly inspect your garden and remove slugs by hand, especially in the early morning or late evening. * Organic Mulches: Use mulches like straw or wood chips, which make it difficult for slugs to navigate and retain moisture in the soil. * Companion Planting: Plant slug-repellent plants like garlic, chives, and rosemary alongside susceptible plants. * Attract Predators: Attract birds, frogs, and hedgehogs to your garden by providing habitats like birdhouses and ponds to keep slugs at bay.
If you feel like your garden has been experiencing a “slug invasion” in recent months, you’re certainly not alone. Experts say there have been more slimy molluscs in the UK this year thanks to a mild winter, wet spring and very changeable summer weather.
“A major factor in the increase in slugs is the increase in mild and humid weather conditions this year, creating an ideal environment for slugs to thrive,” says Hannah Rowson, assistant garden centre manager at J.Parker’s. Living in the countryside.
The RHS has received three times as many enquiries about snails up to June this year as it did over the same period last year.
But there is another factor that has recently caused an increase in the number of snails and slugs.
Hannah explains: “In addition, there has been a decline in the population of natural enemies which has contributed to the increase in snail numbers.”
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She also warns: ‘Plants that are particularly vulnerable to slug damage include young seedlings, leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach, and ornamentals such as hostas and marigolds.
“Snails love these plants. They often leave holes in the leaves and destroy young shoots.”
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Frustrated gardeners have been complaining on social media this summer about the large number of snails popping up in their gardens, on their balconies and on their patios, and asking for advice on how to get rid of them.
Hannah explains that there are several natural and effective methods to control slug populations without resorting to harmful chemicals. For example, handpicking, which involves regularly inspecting your garden in the early morning or late evening and removing slugs by hand.
Organic mulches can also work. Hannah explains: “Use mulches such as straw or wood chips, as slugs have a hard time navigating through them. These materials also help retain moisture in the soil and improve the health of the garden.”
You can also opt for companion planting, where you plant plants that repel slugs, such as garlic, chives and rosemary, alongside susceptible plants to create a natural deterrent.
In addition, attracting natural predators to your garden will help to keep slugs at bay. Hannah continues: “Attract predatory animals such as birds, frogs and hedgehogs to your garden. Providing habitats such as birdhouses and ponds can help to maintain a balanced ecosystem.”
Lizzie is the Daily Editor at Country Living, where you’ll find her writing about unique property market finds and dreamy British staycation spots. Her specialisms include interiors, property, wildlife, travel, slow living and more. She has previously written for Metro, Evening Standard, Ideal Home, Woman & Home and several other home and lifestyle titles. Lizzie studied English Literature at the University of Liverpool, where she was also a writer and editor for her university newspaper.
