Natural snail traps: Eco‑friendly solutions hidden in your kitchen

The sight of snails in the garden is far from pleasant. Not only do they leave a slimy trail behind, but they also feast on plants, vegetables, and fruits. Battling them can be challenging, but it's possible. All you need is one item commonly found in your kitchen.

Astonishingly, the diet of snails is quite varied. On their menu, you'll find both fresh, juicy lettuce leaves and decaying plant matter. Some species are true gourmands, enjoying strawberries, raspberries, and even mushrooms. Young plant shoots, delicate flowers, and ripening fruits are real delicacies for them.

Even though they are small in size, a large snail population can cause significant damage to a garden. So, how can you effectively get rid of them without harming your plants?

Many specialised products are available in stores to combat snails, but they are not always effective and can negatively impact your crops. That's why opting for a natural solution is a good idea. You can find the necessary product right in your kitchen, specifically in the refrigerator.

You'll need milk, water, and a glass jar to prepare a snail trap. Mix the milk and water, pour it into the jar or another container, and bury it in the garden in the evening. After a few hours, preferably in the morning, you will see that the trap has lured snails, which, attracted by the smell of milk, have fallen inside.

Remember, the trap works best at night when snails are most active. Once the pests are in the container, simply remove it from the garden and dispose of its contents. If your snail problem is severe, consider using a larger container.

Another tried and tested method is beer traps. Pour the beer into a milk carton or a bag and leave it in the garden. Place the trap where you notice snails, such as among flowers or vegetables. In the morning, remove the trap from the garden and dispose of its contents.

Slugs are the most troublesome snails in the garden. They destroy plants by nibbling on leaves, flowers, shoots, and stems. An effective method to combat them is a trap made with yeast and water.

Additionally, it's worth using the natural properties of certain plants that repel snails. Planting marjoram, sage, chamomile, or savoury will keep the pests away due to their unpleasant smell.