Gardening expert reveals how to get rid of slugs for good in winter
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A gardening and greenhouse expert has shed light on why gardens may be experiencing a surge in slug populations. Gardening and greenhouse expert Lucie Bradley from Two Wests and Elliott, revealed: "Slugs are not only the bane of gardeners' lives after they munch the new growth of precious plants, demolish seedlings overnight and munch irregularly-shaped holes in leaves, the slimy creatures also evoke a sense of unease and phobia in the hearts of everyday individuals.
"Snails and slugs are most active at night and on cloudy or foggy days. On sunny days, they seek hiding places from the heat and bright light. Often the only clues to their presence are their silvery trails and plant damage. During cold weather, snails and slugs hibernate in the topsoil.".
One common reason for seeing these unwanted visitors during winter is overwatering, which creates a damp environment that these pests find attractive – it's therefore key to water your garden appropriately. Rainfall can also inadvertently invite slugs into your garden, a harder situation to mitigate. Bradley added: "Slugs are scavengers and feed on decaying plant matter, if there is decaying organic material in your garden, such as fallen leaves or compost, it can attract them.".
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to tackle this pest problem, reports the Express. It's easy to neglect the garden’s tidiness in the colder months when outdoor activity drops, but keeping the area clean can help reduce the presence of these pests.
However, it's crucial to clear away debris, mulch and other potential daytime hiding spots for these pests. The gardening guru went on to say: "Encourage natural predators of slugs, such as birds and beetles, by providing bird feeders or planting flowers that attract beneficial insects.
