Copper pennies and wire do not seem to work. Most products on the market are a type of copper foil or copper tape so this might work better and in fact some people suggest that a wider strip is better than a narrow strip. The fossilized remains of diatom, photosynthetic, single-celled aquatic algae, can also be used to eliminate slugs from your home. Therefore, it could be useful to fix the tape with copper nails or outdoor mounting tape, which will make the barrier more durable. If you have tiny gaps in between your floors or doors, silicone sealant will work better than expanding foam.

The application process of sealing foams is super easy and effective. There are some things that you should keep in mind when using sealing foam. If you have a damp basement, use a dehumidifier to prevent moisture accumulation and wet environments. Dampness is not good for your house structure either.The application of slug baits is very easy and convenient. This easy and affordable method to keep slugs out will not drain too much time from your schedule. All you need to do is find spots where the slugs can come from. Besides the copper tape—which you can see in the videos—it is also possible to use copper mesh, copper rings/bands, and copper wire. Copper Mesh Fence Ideally, this possibility should be prevented from the beginning; for example, you might put mulch next to the barrier. Disadvantages of Copper If it is true that it becomes more effective with a patina, then copper’s effectiveness only improves with age. Conclusion

The RHS also plans to test alternative control methods, such as beer traps, and is currently working with BASF to investigate ways to combine scientifically proven control methods into pest management strategies. Help us do more research If your surrounding environment is dry, diatomaceous earth can effectively kill slugs and other insects. However, it is not effective in wet places. You need to apply them in places where there is no moisture. If you have a damp house, you should directly sprinkle it over the slugs. But Dr Hayley Jones, entomologist at the RHS and lead researcher, said: “With the likes of eggshells, barks and mulch so far proving no discernible deterrent to slugs and snails, we would recommend using proven formulas like nematode biological control if the damage is just too much to bear.”

But wool pellets and pine bark did have one clear benefit: by acting as a fertiliser and mulch, they helped lettuces yield a 50% bigger crop. I imagine barrier efficacy might depend on the width of the barrier and skinnier tapes might be less effective barriers than 5″ of mesh. I have yet to try using any other type of mesh (steel, aluminum) but if I get bored that might be a fun experiment. I also imagine in addition to whatever theoretical chemical/electrical property copper has that slugs don’t like, there is likely a mechanical component because irregular wire loops might be irritating to ooze across and there may be some variability in effect based on the size/configuration of the wire in the mesh. They appear tasty to slugs and are effective in killing them. The last few years have seen improvements in the manufacturing of slug baits. They are developed using iron phosphate, which is toxic only to snails and slugs. You can find more information about how to install an electric slug fence here. Different Copper Barriers