5 Ways To Stop Slugs Eating Your Plants - Science Sparks

Last year we tried to grow peas, beans and tomatoes but unfortunately lost most of them to slugs! This year, we set ourselves the task of trying to deter slugs naturally and without harming them. Stopping slugs from eating plants is challenging, but we learned a lot from our attempts.

What is a slug?

Slugs are gastropods. Gastro means stomach, and pod means foot. Gastropod literally means stomach foot!

Slugs and snails use slime to help them move. Slime protects the underneath of their body from bacteria and sharp, prickly objects and also helps them stick to surfaces when they climb.

Five ways to stop slugs eating your plants

Copper tape

We had mixed success with copper tape. There definitely seemed to be fewer slugs around the planters with tape around them, but the tape did erode slightly, allowing slugs to enter through the gaps.

Why do slugs not like copper tape?

Copper tape gives slugs a harmless mini-electric shock when they try to pass over it, which is why it works as a deterrent.

Eggshells

Crushed-up egg shells are sharp, and so, in theory, should provide a barrier between slugs and plants. We did find some brave slugs who crossed the barrier, though! If you don't eat eggs, try spiky holly leaves instead.

Coffee Grounds

Keep your unwanted coffee grounds (or ask your local coffee shop nicely) to sprinkle around your plants. Coffee acts as a natural deterrent to slugs.

Introduce a natural predator

It's not the nicest solution, but if you attract birds into your garden with a bird feeder, they may eat the slugs too!

A beer bath

Slugs seem to be drawn to beer! If you place a flat container with a small amount of beer inside near the plants, the slugs will be drawn to the beer instead of the plants!

My children seem to be rather fond of our army of slugs. I found my 23-month-old crouching down next to one yesterday, telling him he was 'cute', and my 5-year-old timed how long it took one to crawl across a path. It's a shame about the beans, though.

Do you have any slug deterrent ideas to share with us?

Last Updated on June 26, 2025 by Emma Vanstone