Kitchen staple protects plants from slugs and snails without nasty chemicals

Those who have found holes on their plants’ leaves or stems may have a slug or snail problem.

Shiny slime trails crisscrossing across paving slabs, windows and even doors are further signs you could have a slug or snail infestation.

Slugs and snails are soft-bodied molluscs that like moist conditions. They will often target young plants but their favourite plants are hostas, delphiniums and sweet peas among others.

Slugs and snails will also target vegetables and ornamental plants if they have soft growth.

Banishing slugs can be difficult, especially if there’s an active infestation in your garden.

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Rather than resorting to chemicals, which can damage the surrounding ecosystem, gardeners should use a natural method.

With so many kitchen and cleaning products ending up in landfill at the end of their lives, Laura Harnett from Seep eco-cleaning products, has shared how to use cleaning items to banish slugs and snails.

Laura suggested using old copper scourers to banish slugs and snails and protect plants.

She said: “Use copper to protect your plants from slugs and snails without using nasty garden chemicals.

“They hate the metal as it gives them a small, harmless electric shock when they come into contact with it.

“Instead of buying expensive copper tape for your pots and plants, simply unravel your copper pan scourer when it’s no longer useful and this will have the same effect.”

The Seep copper scourer costs £7 for a pack of three and super Bright Copper Scourers cost 89p from Charlies.

Slime trails are the biggest telltale signs you have a slug and snail problem.

Slugs feed at night so gardeners will likely see the glistening trails in the morning.

While slugs and snails are active throughout the year, they prefer humidity and are most active in the spring months.