Beer traps are one of the most popular hacks for keeping slug populations at bay, but apparently, they can sometimes have a completely different effect.
There are plenty of ways to keep slugs at bay naturally, each with its own merits and drawbacks. Traditionally, beer traps are used to lure and drown slugs in the garden – so it’s not the most humane form of pest control – but according to experts, they can actually worsen the problem.
Here’s why pest experts are warning against beer traps right now, with a predicted ‘slugageddon’ on the horizon – and a few alternative ways to tackle slugs as we enter peak gardening season.
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A beer trap, in theory, should lure slugs out of hiding and to their demises – but if your garden isn’t already dealing with a huge infestation, it can bring about an even bigger problem.
‘Some traditional garden tricks can help in small situations, but they’re not always a complete solution,’ says Tessa Cobley, plant pest expert and owner of Ladybird Plantcare.
‘Beer traps are a commonly suggested remedy, but they can sometimes attract even more slugs into the area.’
So, beer traps can actually do the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve, by inviting even more slugs into your garden. It’s a bit like putting out an iced bun for the wasps, I suppose – it might contain the problem in one area, but it can make your garden a hotspot for the critters.
What should you do instead, then?
Well, you could learn how to use nematodes on slugs (you can pre-order Nemaslug 2.0 Biological Slug Killer from Marshalls Garden). This effective natural control releases natural predators into the soil – you simply need to water it onto the target areas.
‘If slug numbers are already high, it’s usually better to tackle the population in the soil first using biological methods like nematodes and then use barriers as an extra line of defence for vulnerable plants,’ says Tessa.
The experts at nematode supplier Nemasys are actually predicting a ‘slugageddon’ this year.
‘This year’s mild conditions have allowed more slugs to survive and remain active for longer – and lay more eggs in the soil ready to hatch this spring!’ they explained.
‘The combination of wet soil, abundant organic matter, and ideal shelter conditions has created the perfect environment for slugs to breed and feed. As a result, many experts are predicting a significant increase in slug numbers – with some already dubbing it a potential ‘slugageddon’.’
To protect pots from slugs, I usually use copper tape like this reel from Amazon to line the outer edges. You could also try the copper scourer hack, which is surprisingly effective.
What to use instead
Wasaii
Slug Repellent Copper Tape
Copper tape can serve as a line of defence for pots.
Nemasys
Nemaslug 2.0 Biological Slug Killer
Apply these natural predators with water.
Vitax
Slug Gone Wool Pellet
Organic wool slug pellets are also a good option.
The beer trap for slugs warning carries a lot of weight, but there are plenty of other ways to keep the pests at bay. You can even plant slug and snail-repellent plants around vulnerable ones, if you’re all for the natural approach.
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