Gardening experts have claimed that pesky molluscs usually steer clear of a certain cupboard ingredient if you put it in your back yard – and it may just shock you
Gardening experts claim that one surprising kitchen staple will spook off slugs for good – and it may just surprise you.
From squeezing through the floorboards, to nibbling on your vegetable patch – slugs can be an absolute nuisance. Though, professionals at Garden Buildings Direct claim these pesky molluscs usually steer clear of a certain cupboard ingredient in a trick that can be referred to as the ‘vampire hack’.
“Slugs are particularly a problem for gardeners during the spring, as the warm and damp climate creates the perfect environment for them,” an expert at the firm explained. “Luckily there are several actions gardeners can carry out without having to use expensive slug pellets which contain lots of chemicals.”
If you thought vampires were the only beings scared of garlic – think again. Turns out, this is the remarkable solution to problematic squelchers in your garden.
Believe it or not, the smell and taste of garlic will put slugs right off, so spraying it on plants and around the garden is a good way to keep them at bay. The expert suggested: “Try blending up garlic cloves mixed with water to create a strong solution. The scent of the garlic will naturally repel slugs once sprayed around your garden.
You can pick up garlic from your local supermarket, or if you prefer to shop online you could add a three pack for just 65p to your Amazon Fresh delivery.
“Another tip is to scatter mulch which is hard for the slugs to cross over – such as wood chips, gravel or bark.”
To many, slugs seem disgusting or even annoying, but their existence is actually vital for the wellbeing of birds and mammals who rely on them as a food source. They are also known to be great decomposers, feeding on dead insects and fallen leaves, before recirculating their nutrients back into the soil.
That’s why deterrent strategies are arguably more beneficial than chemical repellents, as the latter usually causes molluscs to swell up and die.
You may also be surprised to know that petroleum jelly, highly caffeinated coffee beans and even egg shells have a similar effect to garlic when it comes to this. Egg shells in particular can be crushed up straight after a morning fry-up and sprinkled over vegetable patches and garden plants.
“Scatter eggshells across the garden for a natural slug deterrent,” the expert added. “The shells will create a difficult barrier for the pests to cross. However, be mindful of where you scatter the eggshells as plants which require acidic soil (such as geraniums, azaleas, and hydrangeas) won’t react well.”
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