Little-known trick to using breakfast waste for slug deterrence

As March arrives, Brits are eagerly anticipating the warmer weather and increased sunshine. However, for those keen on gardening, there’s some less-than-welcome news.

Specialists at Lodi have warned that rising temperatures create ‘perfect conditions’ for common pests such as slugs. These creatures can be a significant annoyance, whether they’re infiltrating your home through gaps in the floorboards or feasting on budding plants.

But fear not, there are measures you can take to minimise their impact.”Slugs thrive in damp conditions and are particularly active as spring arrive,” the experts explained in a recent blog.

“Slugs may look harmless, but they can cause devastating damage to gardens, plants and crops. These nocturnal feeders are particularly drawn to young seedlings, leafy greens, and soft fruits, stripping plants of their foliage and leaving behind a slimy trail of destruction.”

While some might choose chemical pest deterrents, professionals at Rentokil suggest that various everyday items can also deter these slimy invaders. Surprisingly, this includes breakfast food waste.

“Crushed egg shells work as a great home remedy of slugs,” the specialists said, according to the Mirror. “This is because slugs don’t like moving across sharp objects, although it isn’t not impossible for them to do, they just prefer not to.”

Therefore, crushing the egg shells from your Full English could be the answer. Simply sprinkle them over the area you want to keep slug-free. “Broken nutshells work in the same way as egg shells when getting rid of slugs [too],” they added.

“Break up the nutshells into small pieces, and create a protective barrier around your plants. Any slugs that come near your vegetables will soon turn the other way.”

Slugs often get a bad rap but are actually essential to our ecosystem, providing food for birds and aiding decomposition to recycle nutrients. Therefore, some green thumbs resist chemical solutions due to their harsh impact on the environment.

“Chemicals are often touted as a quick fix for garden pests, including slugs,” others at Lanocare have also explained.

“While they’re effective, they’re not without drawbacks. Petroleum-based ingredients can be harmful to plants, soil and water sources if used excessively. Plus, spraying them around your garden introduces chemicals that can affect the delicate balance of your garden ecosystem.”