Banish snails and slugs from lawns

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Melissa - Lawn Care Support Blogs

Banish Snails and Slugs from your Lawn

Firstly, let’s talk about the pests. Snails are typically 2.5-4cam long with coiled shells on their backs. Garden slugs are around 3- 25mm and Banana slugs are 10-15cms long. Often black, green, tan or grey – they are characterised by the slimy trail of mucus they leave behind.

Now why would we want to get rid of them out of our lawn? Snails and slugs can affect any tender plants, lawn included. While they do feed on decaying plant matter they also feast on soft and succulent plant tissue. They demolish seedlings and can severely damage young shoots.

Traditionally snails and slugs are higher in number and therefore cause the most damage in wet years and in areas with high rainfall or humid/moist conditions.

Many people will tell you the best way to deal with both slugs and snails is to pick them out by hand and dispose of them. While it is a great idea is the problem is small or the area of affected lawn is tiny, bigger areas and bigger problems will require more action.

If you’re looking for a natural way to banish snails and slugs

1. Place out a tray/dish of beer – the beer will attract them and once they fall in they will drown.
2. Place an upside melon rind (watermelon, rockmelon, honeydew) on your lawn – the snails and slugs will be attracted to the soft flesh and will gorge themselves. Then it’s just a matter of picking up the rind, with the slugs and snails and disposing of the lot.

If you’re needing a tougher approach

Yates Baysol or Blitzem pellets can be placed in a container, such as PVC tubing, in the affected area. The PVC tubing will keep the pellets out of reach of possums and your domestic pets.

Note – you should never let children play with snails or slugs as they can carry disease. Always wash your hands after any contact with slugs and/or snails.