Rain, flooding and delicate winter climate may see UK slug numbers rocket.
The UK’s damp, delicate local weather is good for slugs and snails (Picture: Getty)
Gardeners are being urged to brace themselves for a potential enhance in slugs this 12 months. Numbers of the slimy critters peaked in 2024 because the moist, delicate situations they thrive in dominated.
There are warnings of one other potential “slugageddon” after some elements of the UK noticed 50% of annual rainfall within the first six weeks of this 12 months. Christopher Terrell Nield, a lecturer in chemistry and forensic science at Nottingham Trent College, stated flooding sophisticated the image this 12 months.
Flooding can kill slugs but in addition the bugs that prey on them (Picture: Getty)
He stated whereas it will probably kill slug eggs and adults, flooding may also have an effect on the creatures which eat them, together with beetles and beetle larvae.
Flooding would additionally generate meals for slugs because the gastropod molluscs munch on crops which died within the water.
Mr Terrell Nield pointed to the Met Workplace predicting this 12 months might be heat and an Surroundings Company drought warning earlier than this winter’s heavy rainfall as additionally complicating the slug outlook.
Numbers dropped in 2025 from their peak the earlier 12 months, however the slimy slitherers nonetheless decimated some subject crops whereas rain led to an increase in slug numbers final autumn, in line with the professional.
He instructed a chilly snap forward of Christmas, a light, moist winter adopted by a chilly blast from the Arctic and the potential for additional spells of chilly climate this spring add to an advanced image.
Mr Terrell Nield, writing in The Dialog, instructed there was good and dangerous information: “Total the situations level in the direction of elevated slug populations, however in all probability not as dangerous as 2024.”
Slugs and snails are frequent backyard creatures effectively suited to Britain’s damp, delicate local weather.
Only some species feed on dwell backyard crops, with most preferring decomposing natural matter, in line with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which says they “may very well be thought of a gardener’s buddy”.
The RHS says slugs and snails must be welcomed in our gardens as they assist to create compost and supply meals for birds, toads, frogs and hedgehogs.
In response to the specialists, netted subject slugs, brown soil slugs and customary backyard snails are a few of the few species prone to be discovered feeding on backyard crops.
Encouraging toads, frogs, birds and hedgehogs might help preserve slug numbers down (Picture: Getty)
They particularly wish to eat smooth, fleshy leaves and seedlings, with hosta being a specific favorite.
Mr Terrell Nield instructed gardeners who need to management numbers may contemplate watering in parasitic nematodes, which transmit a deadly an infection to slugs and snails solely.
He advisable beginning a compost heap to draw slugs away from “weak” crops; placing down bark, sand, grit or cat litter; smearing pots with petroleum jelly or watering crops within the morning so the soil has time to dry earlier than the moist-loving beasties come out at evening.
The RHS recommends selecting crops which are not as tempting to slugs, reminiscent of girl’s mantle, bear’s breeches, Japanese anemone or foxgloves.
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It additionally suggests looking for slugs with a torch at evening and relocating any to a compost heap or leaving them out for predators.
Mr Terrell Nield cautioned: “No matter strategies you utilize, keep in mind that most slugs are our pals and an necessary a part of the ecosystem.”
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