Gardening and pest experts have revealed five natural deterrents to keep slugs and snails at bay this summer, eliminating the need for chemical products. As temperatures rise, slug metabolism and breeding accelerate, leading to increased damage to garden plants. The combination of warmth and summer rain creates ideal conditions for slugs to feed. Experts from Kingfisher Direct, EcoCare Pest Management, Hedges Direct, Copley Pest Solutions, and GardeningExpress.co.uk shared their top natural methods with Daily Express.
Copper Tape Recommended by Two Experts
Ryan Kaila at Kingfisher Direct recommends using copper tape around bin stores, planters, compost bins, and recycling areas where slugs gather due to moisture and organic residue. He advises applying a complete barrier without gaps and keeping the area clear of weeds or leaves that could serve as bridges. Kaila explains: “Copper tape works because when a slug comes into contact with the copper, it reacts with the slime on its body and creates a sensation that they don’t like, which makes them much less likely to cross it. It’s a good option because it doesn’t involve harsh chemicals, it doesn’t injure the slug, it’s easy for households to apply, and it can be used both around vulnerable plants and around the areas that may be attracting slugs in the first place.”
Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner of EcoCare Pest Management, agrees: “Copper tape is the most reliable and long-lasting natural slug deterrent available to households and it works brilliantly throughout the summer without needing to be replaced or reapplied. Slugs navigate on a layer of mucus and when they come into contact with copper, a mild electrochemical reaction occurs between the copper and their mucus that is genuinely unpleasant for them. They turn back rather than cross it.” He recommends sticking copper tape around pot rims, planter edges, raised beds, or structure bases. Unlike coffee grounds or eggshells that wash away, copper tape stays in place all season, costing a few pounds from garden centres.
Eggshells: A Low-Cost Kitchen Waste Solution
Martin Chaplin, Head of Horticulture at Hedges Direct, recommends crushed eggshells: “If I had to recommend just one natural method for deterring slugs, it would be using crushed eggshells around vulnerable plants. It's a simple, low-cost solution that many households already have access to, and the rough, sharp texture creates a barrier that slugs are often reluctant to cross.” He advises drying eggshells completely before crushing them into coarse pieces and scattering them around the base of plants. Topping up after heavy rain is necessary, but it recycles kitchen waste while protecting young plants throughout summer.
Sheep Wool as a Physical Barrier
James Copley, Chief Executive Officer of Copley Pest Solutions, advocates sheep wool: “Using sheep wool is my number one best natural method for deterring slugs. Slugs rely on smooth, moist surfaces to move and sheep wool will disrupt their ability to move freely around your garden. Sheep wool is dry, tangled, and uncomfortable for slugs to move across, and the wool also absorbs moisture around the base of plants, making the area less inviting to slugs.” He notes two forms: wool pellets that expand when wet to form a rough barrier resistant to rain, and raw wool from local sources that requires regular checking and replacement to prevent slugs sheltering underneath. A thick continuous ring around plants with no gaps is recommended, refreshed or fluffed if compacted. Copley states: “Overall, sheep wool is one of the most reliable natural slug deterrents because it combines a natural physical barrier with soil-friendly benefits, making it practical for everyday summer garden use.”
Coffee Grounds: Aromatic Deterrent
Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, highlights coffee grounds: “Snails and slugs can be one of the most harmful pests for your precious garden plants. This is because they often go unnoticed until you go to the garden one morning and discover that your crop is ruined, with slimy trails next to it.” He advises sprinkling coffee grounds around plants as slugs dislike the strong aroma and unpleasant texture. Like eggshells, coffee grounds enrich the soil as they decompose. Bonnett also mentions salt as a deterrent but warns it can harm soil and plants. He concludes: “Instead of grabbing the first slug and snail deterrent from the shop, opt for more natural ways to get rid of these pests without harming the other wildlife and plants in your garden.”
