Detering Snails from the GH

[Chris L]

Does anyone have a fool proof way of keeping snails out of the greenhouse?

Caught three tonight - one of whom was making a hasty retreat out of the GH door!

[habanerocat]

Copper tape might work well in your situation as a barrier method.

Plenty of ways to kill them dead aswell if you like. I'm less sympathetic to snails now than I used to be. They can cause serious damage and multiply at an alarming rate in damp weather like this.

[BrianMc]

Slug pellets and close the door.
It works
Slugs dying in the greenhouse will not be eaten by birds or hedgehogs, so the usual fears regarding use in the garden do not apply.

Also note. When slugs eat the pellets they will often produce extra slime trail which helps locate snails that may have otherwise gone under the radar!

[DaveW]

I have even seen them climbing up the greenhouse glass sides towards the side vents, so they don't just use the door. I gather many get carried in as eggs in the first place though.

I agree slug pellets are the best way to deal with them, not just on the floor since if I see a slime trail on top of a plant I put a few pellets in a tin lid perched on top of the plant and often find an "exploded" snail reduced to mush the next morning.

[Chris L]

The exploded to mush the next morning rather puts me off pellets.

I am thinking more of some sort of barrier.

[fruit]

I am thinking more of some sort of barrier.

Make it tall, I have trails 15-20ft up on my house walls!

[BrianMc]

The exploded to mush the next morning rather puts me off pellets.

I am thinking more of some sort of barrier.

I have never seen any exploded snails or slugs due to pellet ingesting. In my experience they might produce a bit more slime but usually go off their food and try to hide away, where they invariably dry up and die.

As far as humane barriers go, I don't think it is feasible if you are opening vents and doors or placing plants outside at any point.

[Chris L]

Are slugs and snails attracted to the pellets?

Most of them (I suspect) are coming under the gate. I was thinking of having a "trap" right near the gate with pellets in the bottom. It won't get all of them, I know, but should if it works get most of them.

I'd put a square tub where the blue patch is.

[habanerocat]

Slugs mostly overwinter and lay their eggs in the ground. So I think you'll have to assume they are coming from all directions, perhaps even mid-air from neighbours gardens.

[Chris L]

Slugs mostly overwinter and lay their eggs in the ground. So I think you'll have to assume they are coming from all directions, perhaps even mid-air from neighbours gardens.

There is not much soil in the garden - mostly flags and a few planters. Garden surrounded by high-ish walls and behind the garden is disused land and two large fields.