INFORMATION LEAFLET –

ADVICE ON SLUGS AND SNAILS

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Slugs and snails belong to a group of invertebrates called Mollusca. They are found
all over the world and there are numerous different species. The way that we tell the
difference between the two is that snails have a spiral shell on their back which they
use to retreat in when they detect signs of danger.

Both snails and slugs are harmless creatures but they can be unwelcome visitors.
Outside, their numbers can be controlled by natural means. Hedgehogs are well
known for feasting on slugs and can be encouraged in the garden by providing a nest
box. It is then crucial that you should not use any poison controls. Chickens and
ducks also do a good job at keeping numbers down. Thrushes like snails and you
might find empty shells by a stone or other suitable anvil they use for breaking them
open. A little know predator of slugs is the black ground beetle that you often find
scurrying for cover when disturbed. If you use beer traps for slugs and snails then
make sure the lip of the trap is above soil level so that the beetles do not fall in.

WHERE DO THEY LIVE?

Snails and slugs live outdoors in damp conditions (under stones, plant pots and in
garden vegetation) and are notorious for causing damage to plants and vegetation.
They are mainly active on dark, damp, cloudy days and at night. Both slugs and snail
need moisture to survive. On sunny days they will retreat to moist shaded areas.
During cold weather slugs and snails hibernate in the topsoil.

Snails and slugs occasionally enter buildings in search of food and will remain in any
areas where damp conditions occur, for example a damp cellar or behind kitchen
appliances.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE SNAILS OR SLUGS IN MY HOME?

A way of detecting that slugs or snails are present in your home is the tell tale shiny
silvery slime trail which can be found on carpets and floors.

HOW DO I STOP SLUGS AND SNAILS COMING INDOORS?

 Areas identified as access points can be sealed to prevent slugs and snails
gaining access into a property.

 Removing any food sources or areas of cover from around your property is an
effective way of reducing the numbers getting into the house.
  Problems with condensation or damp should be identified and resolved.

 Slug pellets can be used but you should seek advice when using garden
chemicals in order to choose the appropriate type of pellet. Slug pellets
contain an attractant and should be placed away from the area the slugs or
snails are not wanted. It is important to place pellets under cover to prevent
access by other types of animals.

 Another effective deterrent is copper tape or strips. These will give snails an
electric shock as soon as they come in contact with it. Placing the strip on the
floor by the doors will act as a barrier.

Eliminating slugs and snails outdoors is almost impossible so try and find their hiding
places and try to eliminate them; this will make your garden less appealing to them.
Watering your garden in the late afternoon will encourage them to come out and you
can the simply pick them up, place them in a sealable plastic container and give them
to friends that keep chickens or ducks (as they are a great source of food for wild and
domestic fowl). Try to clear ground level vegetation which may be growing near
windows and doors.

FURTHER ADVICE

Wrexham County Borough Council previously provided a pest control service, but
this service ceased as of 1st April 2015 to non-Council owned premises. Council
tenants can continue to request a pest control treatment by contacting the Council via
the contact details below.

For residents/owners of non-Council owned premises, unfortunately we cannot

recommend any pest control companies but we would recommend that you look for a
professional pest controller in a local Telephone Directory or via an internet search
engine. Preferably choose a Pest Control company that is a member of a trade
association such as the British Pest Control Association (www.bcpa.org.uk) and/or
National Pest Technicians Association (www.npta.org.uk).

To obtain further advice on any other pest issues, please contact the Housing, Public
Protection and Environment Department:

Telephone: 01978 298989

Email: contact-us@wrexham.gov.uk
Or visit us at www.wrexham.gov.uk