Why have I got slugs in my house?
We often get asked, “why have I got slugs in my house”. Slugs can be found in some of the most unusual places such as kitchens or bathrooms. They come in for warmth or shade. By knowing what attracts them, could help to keep them at bay. The Yellow Cellar slug is a common slug in the UK. It is a medium-sized slug which can grow up to 13 cm long. They are slender with pale mottling on a green, yellow or tan body. The Yellow Cellar is nocturnal so you don’t often see them out moving about. Algae and mould is its common food, but can also be found eating leftovers, cat food and compost. It is attracted to dark damp harbourages such as air blocks, vents, bins and drains.
Where do the slugs hide?
Most of the time you don’t know you have a slug problem until you see the dried-up slug trail or mucous trails as they are known. You can often follow their trails to identify how they are getting into your property. If this proves difficult then shine a light to enhance the trail. Sometimes they do cross over a bit and makes it hard to follow the slug trail. You may find they head off under the kickboards of the kitchen as this is often a cool shaded area. Especially where the cold-water pipe is as it may be generating a food source but also a good harbourage site. The slugs may have come up from under the floorboards. Once again this is common as there are often air blocks on an outside wall to allow airflow. These also offer good route of entry for slugs but also other insects such as woodlice. If this is the route of entry, then you can consider putting a fine mesh over the air blocks. This will stop them from being able to gain entry.
What can I do to get rid of slugs?
Proofing as already mentioned can be as simple as using filler to fill small to medium cracks. Mesh on air vents and consider brushing or rubber strips on doors. Copper tape is meant to be a deterrent as they do not like crossing it, but I have had mixed reviews on this method of proofing. Salt (rock salt) can give a good barrier to a slug problem but the only problem is that it washes away with rain fall so does not last long when used outside. Hedgehogs love to eat slugs and other wildlife as well such as birds so if it is outside then you could encourage the birds into your garden. You can purchase slug traps which can also help the situation but finally if you are planning to use slug pellets, be very careful as they can be poisonous to animals so make sure you read the label.
If you have a slug problem, we can’t necessarily help with a treatment, but we may be able to carry out some proofing to reduce or stop the problem. Contact us to find out more.