Eco‑friendly ways to tackle snail infestations in your garden

The sight of snails in the garden is displeasing to anyone. Not only do they leave a slimy trail behind, but they also eat plants, vegetables, and fruits. Combating them is challenging, but it is possible. All you need is one kitchen product.

Snails' diets are surprisingly varied. They eat fresh, juicy lettuce leaves and decaying plant remains. Some species of snails are true gourmets and enjoy strawberries, raspberries, and even mushrooms. Young plant shoots, delicate flowers, and ripening fruits are authentic delicacies for them.

Although they are small, if the snail population becomes too large, the damage in the garden can be enormous. So, how do you effectively get rid of them without harming your plants?

You can find many specialized products in stores to combat snails, but they are ineffective and can affect your crops. That's why it's good to opt for a natural solution. You can find the necessary product in the kitchen, specifically in the refrigerator.

It would help if you had milk, water, and a glass jar to prepare a snail trap. Prepare a mixture of milk and water, pour it into the jar or another container, and bury it in the garden in the evening. After a few hours, preferably in the morning, you will see that the trap has lured snails, which, enticed by the smell of milk, fell inside.

Remember, the trap works best at night when snails are most active. Once the pests are in the container, remove it from the garden and dispose of its contents. If you have a problem with many snails, use a larger container.

Another tried-and-true method is beer traps. Pour the beverage into a milk carton or a bag and leave it in the garden. Then, place the trap where you notice the snails, e.g., among flowers or vegetables. In the morning, remove the trap from the garden and dispose of its contents.

Slugs, the most troublesome garden snails, destroy plants by nibbling on leaves, flowers, shoots, and stems. A trap prepared with a yeast and water solution is a practical method to combat them.

Additionally, it is worth taking advantage of the natural properties of plants that repel snails. Planting marjoram, sage, chamomile, or savory will make pests avoid the garden due to their unpleasant smell.