Slugs will vanish from your garden if you attract these birds
Slugs are the bane of British gardeners, wreaking havoc on lush greenery during those warm, wet summer spells. These slimy pests can decimate your dahlias and veggies in no time, leaving you fuming and frantically searching for a fix.
While some reach for harsh chemicals to fend off these molluscs, there's a greener, kinder way to slug-proof your patch. Wildlife whizz Richard Green from Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies has the inside scoop on slug warfare: enlist the help of our feathered friends.
"Birds can be a great way to naturally deal with slugs and protect your plants," he shard. Green points out that blackbirds, thrushes, starlings, and robins aren't just pretty faces – they're slug-munching machines, offering an organic alternative to chemical repellents., reports the Express.
"Blackbirds, thrushes, starlings, and robins are some of the birds that eat slugs, becoming a natural source of pest control while reducing the need for harmful chemicals," he explained.
How to attract slug-eating birds to your garden
Creating the ideal environment
If you want these bird flocking to your garden, you've got to roll out the welcome mat with the essentials: grub, water, and a cosy nesting spot. Pop in some berry-laden bushes like hawthorn, ivy, and cotoneaster to keep the birds popping by all year round, even when the winter season arrives.
Don't forget to set up a birdbath or another splashy feature – it's a magnet for birds in the sizzling summer months.
Citrus fruit trap
To really get the birds pecking away at your slug problem, try a citrus fruit trap. It's a clever ploy that tempts both the birds and the slugs, setting the stage for a feathery feast.
The expert explained: "Birds are drawn to the fruit, and slugs are attracted to the leftover rinds. Once the slugs gather, the birds will return to eat them, creating an effective and eco-friendly way to manage pests."
Providing shelter with nest boxes
If you're looking to keep birds in your garden for the long haul, setting up nest boxes is a brilliant method to entice them to stay and breed. "Different-sized entry holes attract different species, helping to boost bird diversity," Richard proposed.
To make the nest box even more appealing, place it in a quiet, sheltered spot and supply nesting materials like straw, wool, or pet hair.
Using plants and natural shelters
Native species and berry-bearing shrubs are especially beneficial for luring birds and providing them with vital food.
Richard further advised: "Leaving areas of the garden untidy, such as longer grass or fallen leaves, offers shelter and easy access to slugs and other pests. These spaces can also attract other slug predators that birds are safe from, like hedgehogs and frogs."
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