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

Bloom and Brilliance: The 2026 Harrogate Spring Flower Show

Royal Horticultural Society shares plants for birds as feeding advice changes

STIGA secures triple victory for Robotic Innovations and Digital Experience

Rhododendrons for non-acid soils

Gardening Projects for May

---

How to re-pot a cactus

How to turf a lawn

How to grow a lily in a Container

How to Root Carnations

Latest Gardening Videos

---

How can I get rid of mushrooms growing in my lawn?

How can I get rid of a red ant nest in my lawn?

How to Grow Perennial Scabius

How to tie gooseberries and redcurrants

How do I protect my tulips from squirrels and other pests?

Why are my pansies and violas wilting?

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Longwood Gardens
Pennsylvania, USA

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town, South Africa

Aswan Botanical Garden
Aswan, Egypt

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Tokyo, Japan

Powerscourt Gardens
Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore