Article: published on 24 August 2026

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They're the critter that gardeners often loathe, causing an estimated £8 million in damage to agricultural crops each year.

Gardening expert Mark Lane joined us in the studio to demonstrate the environmentally friendly and cruelty free way to tackle slugs in the garden

Slugs can be very destructive if they're not controlled in some way, however despite there being around 40 species of slugs in the UK, only a small fraction of these pose problems for gardeners with the majority contributing positively to the garden ecosystem.

One of their most significant roles is as nature's clean-up crew! They feed on rotting plants, fungi, dung and even decaying animals, which helps to recycle nitrogen and other nutrients back into the soil. Another reason to keep them around is because many of our much-loved garden visitors, including frogs, birds and hedgehogs rely on slugs and snails as a food source, so by not killing them you're indirectly supporting a diverse array of wildlife.

When it comes to tackling slugs, many people reach for the salt, however the problem with killing them in this way isn't just that it's quite cruel but it also damages your plants and your soil. Adding salt to your beds can result in less water being available for uptake by the plants, increasing water stress and root dehydration because the salt ends up absorbing all the water and can lead to reduced plant growth.

Instead of killing them, the first thing to try is offering a distraction or diversion away from your prized plants. Try adding something as simple as a couple of lettuce plants in your beds. These are irresistible to slugs and will act as a decoy.

If you're still not getting results and the slugs continue to eat your Chrysanthemums, other plants can also be allies without the sacrifice. Astrantia plants give off a scent that repels slugs, and when placed in the middle or in close proximity to other plants they act as a natural pesticide. You can do this with other plants such as fennel, anise and rosemary too.

Slugs are also said to be repelled by the smell of garlic. Follow Mark's step by step guide below to make your own 'garlic drench' and keep slugs at bay

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You will need:

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Instructions

Another really common invasive pest is the Vine Weevil. They're widespread and primarily live in plant pots, although plants growing in the ground can also be attacked. The most serious damage is caused by the larvae which live in the soil and eat roots, weakening growth and often ultimately killing the plants.

Adult beetles eat small notches in leaf edges. These little critters are notoriously hard to get rid of, so you should inspect your compost and potted plants regularly for vine weevil larvae, ensuring you're picking them out. If you're unlucky enough to have an infestation of adult vine weevils, then creating a pleasant environment for their natural predators such as toads and birds which will feed on the beetles and their larvae is a good way of keeping the numbers down.

Failing this, you can also create a sticky trap using double sided tape by applying it around your plant pots. Because the vine weevil is a flightless insect, the side of this pot is the only route they've got for entry and when they cross this tape you'll trap them, allowing you to dispose of them in whichever method you see fit. Make sure to inspect these traps regularly because they can catch other insects, and sometimes birds and mammals too.

The Royal Horticultural Society recommends avoiding the use of neonicotinoids and other pesticides in gardens to help the UK's declining bee population. If there is no reasonable alternative, they urge anyone using pesticides to proceed with caution and never spray on open flowers.

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