How to Repel Slugs, Snails & Garden Pests Naturally

Keeping your garden lush and pest-free doesn’t have to involve chemicals or harm to wildlife. Natural pest control methods offer a safe, sustainable way to protect your plants from slugs, snails, and other destructive pests. In this guide, we explore environmentally friendly solutions—from clever barriers and homemade sprays to wildlife-friendly practices that restore balance in your garden.

Whether you're battling slimy intruders in your veg patch or protecting pollinator-friendly flowers, this comprehensive guide offers everything you need to naturally defend your garden.

The Problem with Slugs and Snails (and Why Going Natural Matters)

Slugs and snails are among the most persistent garden pests, particularly during damp UK springs and summers. They feast on seedlings, leaves, and roots, leaving behind ragged holes and silvery trails.

But while it may be tempting to reach for chemical slug pellets, these often contain metaldehyde, which can harm pets, wildlife, and pollinators. Natural alternatives are not only safer—they’re often just as effective, especially when combined for a multi-pronged approach.

Barrier Methods: Block the Pests Before They Begin

Creating physical obstacles is one of the most effective ways to keep slugs and snails away from vulnerable plants. Try the following:

• Diatomaceous Earth: This fine, fossil-based powder dehydrates soft-bodied pests. Sprinkle it in a ring around plants to create an invisible but deadly barrier.
• Grit & Eggshells: Crushed eggshells or horticultural grit create uncomfortable terrain that slugs and snails won’t want to cross. Added bonus: eggshells contribute calcium to your soil.
• Copper Tape: A popular method with organic gardeners, copper tape gives slugs and snails a mild electric shock when they attempt to cross it. Place it around pots or raised beds.
• Sharp Mulch: Pine bark, cocoa shells, or coarse sawdust all deter slugs thanks to their rough textures—plus they enrich your soil over time.

DIY Traps That Lure and Eliminate

When you need to draw pests away, traps can be an effective and surprisingly simple solution:

• Beer Traps: Slugs and snails are attracted to the yeasty smell of beer. Sink a shallow dish filled with beer into the soil—by morning, many will have drowned.
• Inverted Citrus Skins: Leave half a grapefruit or orange skin upside-down overnight. Pests will crawl inside for shelter, allowing you to remove them in the morning.

Natural Repellents That Really Work

Natural repellents offer another layer of defense. While they may need reapplying after rain, they’re gentle on the environment and beneficial insects.

• Garlic Spray: Crush a few cloves in water and allow to steep. Strain and spray around plant bases—but test on sensitive leaves first.
• Coffee Grounds: Sprinkle around the base of plants. The strong smell and gritty texture repel slugs and act as a mild fertiliser.
• Coffee Spray: Brew strong coffee, allow it to cool, and spray directly on leaves and soil.

Companion Planting & Natural Predators

Smart planting and biodiversity are your secret weapons in the fight against pests.

• Herbs & Flowers: Planting marigolds, rosemary, thyme, and sage not only repels slugs but also attracts pollinators and predatory insects.
• Wildlife Allies: Hedgehogs, frogs, toads, blackbirds, and ground beetles all feed on slugs. Create habitats like log piles, ponds, and wildflower areas to encourage them.

Smart Gardening Habits for Fewer Pests

Good watering and planting techniques can make your garden less inviting to slugs and snails.

• Water in the Morning: This gives the soil time to dry before evening, when pests are most active.
• Use Drip Irrigation: Keeping foliage dry discourages slugs, who thrive in damp conditions.
• Avoid Overhead Watering: Excess moisture attracts slugs—so water at the base, not the top.
• Choose Resistant Plants: Ferns, lavender, and ornamental grasses are naturally slug-resistant.

Protecting your garden doesn’t mean sacrificing the environment. With a blend of barriers, traps, natural repellents, and wildlife-friendly practices, you can deter slugs and snails the sustainable way.

The bonus? These methods not only preserve your plants but also support pollinators, beneficial insects, and soil health—making your garden a healthier, more vibrant place to grow.

Find everything you need at Wilton Eco Store.