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How to get rid of slugs and stop them coming into your home

By Amy Lyall|

There are plenty of pesky critters that make their way into our homes and none are more disgusting than slugs.

They're slimy, gross and leave little trails around the home, which make them a total nightmare to deal with. It's hard to know where to even start to get rid of the problem.

Luckily there are many options out there, and we've pulled together some ways to keep them out, as well as tips for preventing the slithering creatures from coming back.

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A slug on a leaf
Slugs can be a nightmare to deal with, here's how to keep them out of your home. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Why do slugs want to come inside?

Slugs have no bones or a hard shell like many other insects, which means they can squeeze through extremely tiny cracks to get inside.

They have a very good sense of smell and are often attracted to kitchens or pantries, and if you leave pet food out on the deck or at the back door, slugs will generally come running.

READ MORE: The secret to deterring pests from your garden could be hiding in your fruit bowl?

Slug-proof your home

If you want to steer clear of pellets and salt, allaboutslugs.com has a solution for you and it means stopping the slugs getting in.

First, using a torch in a darkened room, find the dried trails from the previous slug invasion and trace them back to the entry point. Check for joints, holes and gaps along walls, around doors, pipes, vents and under cabinets.

Next, seal those gaps up using expanding foam for larger spots or silicone sealant on smaller cracks. Make sure to wear gloves and follow the directions on the sealant or foam before you start.

large black slug crawling across the footpath
Slug-proofing your home is a good place to start, then it's time to get rid of them. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Slug and snail pellets

Pellets are a good way to control slugs and snails. They can be effective because they are very tasty and appealing to the slimy creatures. Putting the baits where slugs are likely to hide is the best way to control them because once they eat the bait they will stop feeding and crawl away to die a few days later.

Slug and snail pellets can be toxic to children, pets and wildlife depending on the ingredients. Make sure you read the warnings on the packet before you purchase if you will be using them around small children or animals.

Salt

One of the most foolproof methods for getting rid of slugs is salt, which will definitely kill them. As much as it's a method that works, salt can also kill nearby plants, and it can be a messy thing to deal with too.

Pouring salt on a slug will also create an orange slimy mess, and it's a cruel way of getting rid of them.

Other things to consider when it comes to slugs:

Plants: Your choice of plants can actually give slugs a hiding place. Ground-covering plants are the ideal spot for the slimy things to hide under, so be mindful of this while planning a garden makeover.

Clean up: Slugs love cool, dark, moist spots under piles of leaves, weedy areas and old pots (this is why they always pop up when it's raining). An easy way to get rid of them is to stop giving them nice places to hide out, so a good clean up will definitely help. If you have a compost pile, move it away from the garden. While it's great for your garden, it's slug heaven กช especially before it breaks down.

Encourage predators in the garden: Birds, frogs and ducks all love slugs and snails, so by making your backyard an inviting spot for these creatures you could stop your problem too.

Toilet roll plant pots
Items you can reuse for cleaning, organising, and gardening

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