Gardener reveals 2 places you must check as they’re huge ‘slug hiding spots’ & £2 solution to keep them away for good
THEY'RE one of the most annoying garden pests - particularly at this time of year.
And as well as checking your lawns, there are two little-known places slugs love hiding away in that you should add to your daily pest checklist.
According to gardener Jane, slugs can often be found underneath plant pots and in and around piles of decaying leaves.
There are various ways you can deal with slugs, including chemical pellets, but they are widely discouraged because of the effect they can have on pets and local wildlife.
And Jane prefers a natural method for keeping slugs away, which she accidentally discovered.
"I planted out my rows of carefully nurtured seedlings - cornflowers, marigolds, poppies, cosmos, nigella, snapdragons," she explained.
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"Within two days the slugs had eaten everything but the snapdragons.
"Slugs don't like snapdragons!"
The pretty flowers are an effective way to keep slugs away because they contain chemicals that are toxic to the pests.
Snapdragons also have less moisture than some other plants, meaning that slugs will think the garden doesn't have any good sources, and will leave.
To make the most out of the snapdragon deterrent, plant them near vulnerable plants usually targeted by slugs, such as lettuces and cabbages.
And don't forget to put them along garden paths and fences too.
They won't cost you much either, as you can get snapdragon seeds for just £2 a pack.
Jane, the founder of Snapdragon Life, also opened up about other slug deterrents, such as the well-known beer one, and cereal - which becomes more attractive to slugs when it starts to ferment as it's left out to the elements.
"The only thing better than beer in the mind of a slug is cereal," Jane said.
"They can't resist it!
Keep pests out all summer
Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mossies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
"Rather than using piles of bran which can get messy, I use cheap own-brand Weetabix-type cereal and again place it between the slugs and the crops."
Put the cereal into a large container and then you can just check it away once it's got slugs in it.
"Simply leave the Weetabix for three days and then go out at night and collect up all the Weetabix that should by now be covered with feasting slugs," she added.