Latest news with #slugs
Telegraph
25-06-2025
- General
- Telegraph
How to stop slugs invading your home
The RHS has been trying to persuade us for quite some time now that slugs are our friends, not pests. But when I nip into my basement kitchen for a glass of water at 11pm and spot a couple of them slithering around near the fridge, or, come morning, find their slime all over my living-room carpet, it's hard to think of these clammy creatures as pals. It's one thing them eating my tomatoes in the garden, quite another to have them infiltrate my home. There are about 40 species of slugs in the UK and they are estimated to cause around £8m in damage to crops each year – not to mention my soft furnishings. Professor Keith Walters, of Harper Adams University, has studied the behaviour of slugs and reveals: 'We found that when a slug detects another slug, it changes its behaviour. It travels more slowly, covering shorter distances, and has a bias to its turning angle… They travel in a circle and congregate.' So, those slimy trails forming circles on my carpet mean, horrifically, that there has been more than one slug slithering around in my house at night. But apart from understanding their behaviour, what can we do to stop slugs coming into our homes? Manage damp areas Slugs are nocturnal and are attracted to damp environments. Unable to retain their own moisture, they seek out new sources constantly, so any damp areas in your home at night will present a haven for slugs. And they love the dark. 'Leaving a low light on in the kitchen overnight can sometimes discourage them from entering,' says Josh Novell, Director of Polhill Garden Centre. 'It won't solve the problem entirely, but it can be part of a broader deterrent strategy.' If this feels a bit like leaving a night light on for our slimy friends, Tony King, pest control expert and owner of The Pied Piper, has another suggestion: 'Operating a dehumidifier, particularly in basements, crawl spaces, or bathrooms, can reduce the indoor environment's attractiveness for slugs. You should also consider inspecting for any leaks under sinks or in indoor utility areas.' Seal access points Those little critters are getting in somehow, so looking for holes or gaps that slugs could use to gain entry is key to keeping them out. 'Thoroughly inspect the exterior of the house, especially around doors, vents, pipe entries, and even minor openings in the foundation,' says King. 'Slugs can squeeze into cracks less than 0.5cm wide, so plugging these points of entry with silicone-based caulk, expanding foam, or door sweeps is required.' Novell agrees this should be the first line of defence. After all, if slugs can't get in, they can't become a problem. 'If you're finding slugs indoors, the first and most important step is to identify and seal their entry points, including under old doors, around pipework, or through cracks in walls – particularly where pipes exit the building or where floorboards meet external walls,' he says. Use copper tape Anyone who grows anything in their garden will be familiar with a slug problem and has probably used copper tape to stop the creatures eating their plants. And if it works outdoors it can work indoors too. 'I recommend placing copper tape across thresholds or baseboards,' says King. 'Slugs receive a weak electrical shock from copper, so it is a natural deterrent.' The only issue I see with this is having copper tape all over my kitchen, as I have numerous possible entry points in my basement. But, with Novell offering a good point as to why it's preferable to other solutions, I'm willing to give it a go. 'Copper can be used either in the form of tape or strips placed near known entry points,' he says. 'It's a chemical-free and pet-safe option that works especially well alongside other prevention measures.' Sprinkle salt This is probably the most commonly known way to deter slugs and it's still used by many homeowners with a problem. However, it's not the best solution, according to King: 'Salt barriers are conceptually good, but they do not work well for long-term use indoors because of the mess issue and potential damage to flooring or attracting moisture.' Novell agrees, adding: 'Salt should be used carefully indoors. Rather than sprinkling it across your floors, try applying it directly to the edges of known entry points or placing a barrier line near baseboards.' He also offers another possible solution, though not one as natural or as harmless as salt. ' Slug pellets, which contain metaldehyde that kills the slugs, can be effective too, but it's important to place them outside and under cover to avoid accidentally harming pets or wildlife.' It's worth pointing out that the slime slugs leave behind can also contain parasites that can be transmitted to pets. Thankfully these parasites aren't harmful to humans, but be sure to clean up any trails by sprinkling baking soda directly on the residue and hoovering it up a few hours later. Clear debris As we know from all those holes in the leaves of our plants, slugs feed on vegetation, so all those lovely houseplants you keep near walls may be attracting slugs inside, enticing them to slither through gaps for a nighttime munch. 'If slugs are getting in, the chances are they're thriving just outside your home,' says Novell. 'Look for damp, overgrown areas near windows, vents, or doors, under a dense bush or against a wall. Keep vegetation trimmed back, clear away leaf litter, and try to reduce moisture near access points.' But plants can be helpful for keeping slugs at bay, too; choose the right plants and you might just win the battle. 'There are plants that slugs dislike,' says Novell. 'Planting things like wormwood, rosemary, rue, and fennel near your back door or under ground-floor windows isn't a silver bullet but it does work as a passive deterrent.' Take the natural approach If, like me, you're fed up of finding slugs in your home but like the idea of using natural slug repellents, peppermint, cedarwood or cinnamon essential oils are thought to provide pleasant deterrents, while ensuring your home is kept relatively clean and tidy will also help. One final method of beating slugs for good? Novell recommends booby-trapping their path: 'Rough textures like crushed eggshells, coarse gravel or sheep-wool pellets placed near entry points are uncomfortable for slugs to travel over,' he says.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Garden slugs and snails could now be considered venomous, study finds
Common garden snails and slugs could now be considered venomous, according to scientists. In a study that shakes up the definition of venom, researchers explain it is not just the bites of snakes and spiders that are classed as venomous, but also the saliva of aphids and the chemicals released by slugs. This change in definition will mean that tens of thousands of additional species could now be considered venomous. According to the research, published in the journal Trends in Ecology & Evolution, substances like saliva all function with the same evolutionary function in mind: to manipulate another organism's body against its interests. The paper, led by the Natural History Museum's venom expert Dr Ronald Jenner, argues that venom should be redefined as any internally delivered secretion that one organism uses to make a physiological change in another living organism. This means that insects such as cicadas, aphids and shield bugs - which suck the sap of plants and inject toxic secretions to disable plant defences - and garden snails and slugs, which use toxins to manipulate their sexual mates, join the ranks of snakes and scorpions that use venom on prey. Dr Jenner said: 'This redefinition helps us understand venom not as a narrow weapon, but as a widespread evolutionary strategy. 'If you look at what the proboscis of a mosquito does when it's in your skin, it injects toxins that suppress the immune system so that the animal can safely take a blood meal without being swatted away. On a molecular level it shows a lot of similarities to what happens when a viper bites, say, a bunny. 'Conceptually they work on exactly the same system: a conflict arena between two organisms that is mediated by injected toxins. And that's venom.' Researchers also found the venom in wasps, bees and ants, as well as bugs and aphids, were originally used on plants rather than animals. Slugs and snails also inject potential partners with toxins during sexual courtship. Examples range from snails that shoot love-darts coated with bioactive molecules to manipulate their partners against their interest, to male blowflies whose barbed phallus injects a secretion that prevents females from mating again. These sexual secretions, the researchers argue, also fit their definition of venom because substances are internally delivered to manipulate the recipient in a conflict of evolutionary interests. The authors hope this redefinition could mean that scientists from traditionally separate fields can combine forces to accelerate understanding of venom biology.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Garden slugs and snails could now be considered venomous, study finds
Common garden snails and slugs could now be considered venomous, according to scientists. In a study that shakes up the definition of venom, researchers explain it is not just the bites of snakes and spiders that are classed as venomous, but also the saliva of aphids and the chemicals released by slugs. This change in definition will mean that tens of thousands of additional species could now be considered venomous. According to the research, published in the journal Trends in Ecology & Evolution, substances like saliva all function with the same evolutionary function in mind: to manipulate another organism's body against its interests. The paper, led by the Natural History Museum 's venom expert Dr Ronald Jenner, argues that venom should be redefined as any internally delivered secretion that one organism uses to make a physiological change in another living organism. This means that insects such as cicadas, aphids and shield bugs - which suck the sap of plants and inject toxic secretions to disable plant defences - and garden snails and slugs, which use toxins to manipulate their sexual mates, join the ranks of snakes and scorpions that use venom on prey. Dr Jenner said: 'This redefinition helps us understand venom not as a narrow weapon, but as a widespread evolutionary strategy. 'If you look at what the proboscis of a mosquito does when it's in your skin, it injects toxins that suppress the immune system so that the animal can safely take a blood meal without being swatted away. On a molecular level it shows a lot of similarities to what happens when a viper bites, say, a bunny. 'Conceptually they work on exactly the same system: a conflict arena between two organisms that is mediated by injected toxins. And that's venom.' Researchers also found the venom in wasps, bees and ants, as well as bugs and aphids, were originally used on plants rather than animals. Slugs and snails also inject potential partners with toxins during sexual courtship. Examples range from snails that shoot love-darts coated with bioactive molecules to manipulate their partners against their interest, to male blowflies whose barbed phallus injects a secretion that prevents females from mating again. These sexual secretions, the researchers argue, also fit their definition of venom because substances are internally delivered to manipulate the recipient in a conflict of evolutionary interests. The authors hope this redefinition could mean that scientists from traditionally separate fields can combine forces to accelerate understanding of venom biology.
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
I'm a gardening pro – this is exact amount of seconds to water plants for during a heatwave & the best time of day
It's been really hot this week and the plants are really feeling it. High temperatures can cause wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth and a reduced ability to photosynthesis. 2 2 There' s all sorts of way you can reduce the pressure on the plants to cope. If you've got plants in pots - move them into the shade - and group them together - so they give each other protection. Water early in the morning before it starts getting really hot - so it doesn't all evaporate - or if that's not an option - when the sun's gone down. However morning is the best option - as slugs move around at night and love the damp soil. It's best to give them a really good soaking once or twice a week rather than a light water daily. And experts reckon you should count to between 20 and 25 seconds as you water each plant - to make sure the water soaks down through the soil to the roots. It's not what we want - but there's no problem with letting your lawn go brown - if it's healthy it will cope - and the green will return when there's a bit of rain. Raise your mower's cutting level and let the cuttings fall as mulch on the lawn - to keep in moisture. Keep weeding - so they're not competing with the plants you want in your outside space. Save and store any rainwater to reuse in your garden. If you don't have room for a water butt - just leave a few brightly coloured buckets around to catch any rain. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails Or you could splash out on a dipping tank - which looks lovely and stories water. You could also set up an irrigation system - although these are costly - but a leaky hose can work just as well. Choose drought tolerant plants like Agapanthus, Lavender, Geums and hardy Geraniums. Also in Veronica's Gardening Column this week... The best new plants on the market - plus a competition to win a Lawncare flower bundle A BRAND new cherry tree called Japanese Lantern has won the prestigious Horticultural Trade Association's 'Best In Show'. From growers Frank P Matthews, based in Tenbury Wells, Worcs, the 'Prunus Samaura Fugenzo' was described as having 'densely double-frilled flowers with white, pink, and green petals that deepen in colour as they age'. Plus it thrives across all regions of the UK and in a variety of soil types, except those that are heavily waterlogged. All plants that entered had to be new to the UK and introduced to the market within the last year. The winners were… Annuals, Tender Perennials: LaBella Dahlia Grande Chocolate Rose - from Beekenkamp Plants Cacti & Succulents: Cotyledon Green Footprint - from Javado UK Flowering Houseplants: Cyclamen persicum Super Serie Dragon Deep Blue - from Profitplant BV Foliage Houseplants: Calathea 'Velvet Glory' - from Javado UK Herbaceous Perennials: Hosta 'Silly String' - from Darby Nursery Stock Ltd & Fairweathers Shrubs (including Conifers): Hydrangea Zeta Noir - from Bransford Webbs Plant Company & Darby Nurseries Trees Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo Japanese Lantern - from Frank P Mathews Ltd (BEST IN SHOW) WIN! Our friends at Johnson's Seeds are offering TEN Sun Gardening readers a Wildflower lawncare bundle worth £25 each. The Lawn Seed combines slow growing grasses with UK native mowable flowers - a pollinators dream - plus there's a tin of Celebration Wildflower s. To win visit or write to Sun Wildflower Lawn Competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. July 5, 2025. T&Cs apply. NEWS! Dragon's Den OG Theo Paphitus has launched a new online garden centre at Garden enthusiasts and pet owners can browse thousands of lines - from live plants and outdoor furniture, to turf, trellis and fences – with free delivery nationwide. JOB OF THE WEEK Pinch out the tips of fuchsia to encourage more flowers. Pick sweet peas to get more blooms. Stake tall perennials like Goura, deadhead spent geraniums, For more tips and news, follow me @biros_and_bloom
The Sun
20-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Gardeners told to use 22p kitchen staples for ‘vampire trick' which can banish slugs from your garden for good
A GARDENING expert has revealed a 22p hack to banish slugs from gardens using a very common kitchen staple. Now that summer is finally here, many Brits will be looking for ways to spruce up their outdoor spaces - including getting rid of any nasty critters. 1 Slugs and snails are notorious for wreaking havoc on gardens, in particular during rainy patches when they come out in their swathes to feast on crops and plants. Over the years, experts have come out with a whole host of - often ineffective - methods to combat these garden pests. From splashing beer and sprinkling eggshells on crops to surrounding veg patches with copper tape. But one savvy expert believes they have found a cheap, store cupboard hack that could rid gardens of these pests once and for all. Gardeners have been urged to introduce garlic to their gardens as a means of deterring the slugs. And at just 22p a bulb, this could be the cheapest hack yet. Garlic wash involves boiling two whole bulbs of garlic in two litres of water until they soften, then pulping them to make a juice. After removing the garlic skins, the concentrated liquid should be diluted with water and put into a spray can which can be used over plants. The liquid should then be sprayed on plants across the summer right into October. A gardening expert wrote: "We use garlic wash as a slug deterrent on the nursery. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails "Please find below the recipe that we use and find very effective. The quantities aren't exact and you can always alter them as you wish." If the smell of garlic is too pungent Homes & Garden writer, Thomas Rutter, suggests using cucumber instead. Stopping slugs and snails using the cucumber hack is surprisingly simple. While it may not eradicate these pests, it can help gardeners control their numbers. Rutter said: "First, raid your fridge drawer and retrieve a cucumber, before slicing it thinly. "Don't worry about the quality of the cucumber here, in fact, it is best to use those that are past their best." Rutter then advises to place the slices near your more vulnerable plants in the evening. Slugs and snails will be lured to the scent and moisture of the cucumber. Then, after a few hours or the following morning, you can collect the pests and dispose of them. It's not too dissimilar from companion planting or trap plants for pest control. But what's better is that it's a chemical-free approach, safe for pets and requires almost no effort.
