Home > Projects >

How to control slugs

You will need: Wool pellets, Scoop

Slugs are the top problem in most gardens and it is always difficult to stay ahead of their attacks. Certain plants, like Hostas, are always a preferred target so, if you are going to protect anything, start with them. A barrier of gravel, crushed eggshells or, as here, wool pellets, around the plant acts as a good deterrent.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

Apply the wool pellets in a complete circle around the plant to be protected. These pellets are natural and harmless to pets and children.

Step 2

Water them well, as they have been compressed.

Step 3

The fibres fluff up and expand to create a collar.

Step 4

Any slug that tries to cross the barrier gets caught on the millions of tiny hooks on the wool fibres. It can be removed by hand or left for the birds to take.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

Let's talk about mental health this Monday, says Plants and Minds

Gardening and Flower Shows 2026

How to Make a Christmas Wreath: A Step by Step Guide

Why Poinsettias Mean Christmas: The Festive Flower's Surprising History and Symbolism

Gardening Projects for January

---

How to Make a Bird Feeder

How to: Maintenance Pruning

How to Protect Containers

How to Propagate Mistletoe

Latest Gardening Videos

---

Moving House and Taking the Garden with You | Garden Ideas | Val Bradley

How do I protect container plants from the cold?

How do I insulate my greenhouse?

How do I treat liverwort?

How can I stop my roses suffering from wind-rock?

How should I overwinter a potted Canna lily?

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town, South Africa

Pukekura Park
New Plymouth, New Zealand

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tokyo, Japan

The New York Botanical Garden
New York, United States

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Sydney, Australia

Powerscourt Gardens
Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland