Gardener and TikToker Miriam, known online as @unfollowthepath, has shared her preferred natural solution for keeping slugs and snails away from plants: copper mesh. According to Miriam, copper mesh creates a reaction when slugs or snails touch it, causing them to turn away. She uses it every year to protect her plants without resorting to slug pellets or chemicals.
How Copper Mesh Works
Copper mesh acts as both a physical barrier and a mild electric shock generator. When slugs or snails make contact with copper, it produces a mild electric charge that they find unpleasant, deterring them from crossing. The mesh also serves as a physical obstacle, especially on vertical surfaces like pot sides, where slugs struggle to gain a foothold.
Copper is rust-resistant, so it holds up well outdoors even after rain or watering. This method is safe for pets and wildlife, unlike chemical sprays or slug pellets. Additionally, copper mesh is durable and reusable; it can remain in place for multiple seasons and be relocated if needed.
Three Methods to Use Copper Mesh
Method One: Protecting Potted Plants
Secure a strip of copper mesh around the rim of a pot with a slight overhang. This creates an awkward surface that slugs find difficult to navigate, combined with copper's repelling qualities.
Method Two: Blocking Drainage Holes
Place a small section of copper mesh over the drainage holes at the base of containers. This allows water to drain while preventing slugs and snails from entering through the holes. Copper's rust resistance ensures it performs well even with frequent watering.
Method Three: Forming a Fence Ring
Cut copper mesh to size with scissors and shape it to fit snugly around plants in the ground. The tiny sharp strands of copper wire provide an additional level of defence, creating a challenging barrier for slugs and snails to breach.
Why Gardeners Choose Copper Mesh
Miriam said: "If you're already spotting them on your plants, now is the time to protect your garden. One of the best natural ways to stop slugs and snails is to use copper mesh." She emphasised that it saves her plants without using chemicals. Copper mesh is a straightforward, long-lasting, and entirely natural solution that many gardeners love for its effectiveness and safety.
