Source:OÖ Nachrichten
Grater "Tomi" is intended to deter, beer traps are also said to be effective
As soon as tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini are ripe, they're already at risk of becoming "victims" of the common slug. Their favorite foods in the flower garden include dahlias, marigolds, and hostas. In the vegetable garden, they enthusiastically devour all leafy greens. The OÖNachrichten has collected the best tips from various experts: from organic gardener Karl Ploberger to the gardening expert from the environmental consultancy to Johann Rammerstorfer from Walding, who invented a so-called "slug repeller."
Beneficial insects: "First and foremost, you should make sure to provide as many hiding places as possible for beneficial insects such as slowworms, hedgehogs, or ground beetles. These could be piles of leaves or stacks of dry wood. If you have many beneficial insects in your garden, you will automatically have fewer snails, because hedgehogs and the like like to eat snails," advises the organic gardener.
Collecting: The OÖN expert recommends regular collecting above all else. "Here's a trick: Place a thick, wet newspaper in the garden overnight. You'll see: In the morning, there will be plenty of snails underneath."
Ferramol slug bait: "And then, when gardening in a natural way, you can also use Ferramol slug bait. It's organic and safe for children, dogs, and cats," says Ploberger.
Garlic and thyme: If you carefully circle the snails' favorite foods with garlic and thyme, they are more likely to lose their appetite.
Water only in the morning: Environmental advice recommends watering in the morning instead of the evening.
Board in the vegetable patch: Boards in vegetable patches are said to encourage snails to hide, making them easier to collect.
Beer trap: Some experts swear by beer traps. A yogurt cup half-filled with beer is buried in the ground so that it protrudes only one to two centimeters.
Crushed eggshells: Many household-tip books claim that crushed eggshells, scattered densely around endangered plants, will deter slugs. "In my experience, unfortunately, that doesn't really help," says organic gardener Karl Ploberger.
Slug repellent from Walding: Johann Rummerstorfer from Walding has invented "Tomi," a so-called "slug repellent." "The slug repellent is like a sandpaper grater and is eleven centimeters wide. You basically mount the protective belt around the wooden bed," explains the "inventor." He exhibited his "Tomi" for the first time at the "Blooming Austria" trade fair. "Many have already purchased it because the sandpaper apparently deters the slugs."
You can find all products for snail control here: Snail control