Slugs can be a gardener’s worst nightmare as they destroy any beloved flowers or crops in a matter of hours, but there is a simple way to keep them away from your garden. 

These annoying pests tend to be more active at the end of summer as it is right in the middle of their breeding season and gardens are more likely to be filled with vegetables ready to be harvested so there is more for them to eat. 

However, rather than buying sprays or pellets filled with chemicals that can harm local animals such as birds, cats or foxes here is a natural way to stop slugs from chewing up your garden. 

Sheryl Normandeau, a master gardener and founder of the Flowery Prose, has a simple “tried-and-true” homemade trap made out of yeast that prevents slugs from going near plants. 

She said: “Beer traps have long been used for slug control but there is another way to trap them that doesn’t involve you sharing your precious brews (because, really, why should slugs get the good stuff?). Try this very basic yeast trap instead.” 

How does this homemade trap work to keep slugs away? 

It may seem strange but when yeast is mixed with sugar and water it ferments to produce both carbon dioxide and alcohol which is an incredibly attractive smell for slugs. 

Slugs will go crazy to eat the yeast solution which makes it a highly effective bait to trap slugs. The slugs will be lured in, fall into the trap and then drown. 

This is a very cheap and non-toxic method for keeping slugs away that is safe to use around pets, local wildlife and any beneficial insects in a garden. 

How to keep slugs out of your garden using a homemade trap 

You will need:

• 240ml of water
• One teaspoon of sugar 
• Half a teaspoon of dry yeast

You will also need a shallow container that can be levelled with the soil so slugs can crawl in it.

Sheryl said: “Raid your recycling bin for some shallow containers and sink whatever you scrounge up into your garden bed so that the tops of the containers are level with the surface of the soil.” 

The most suitable containers are yoghurt containers, sandwich boxes or old shallow bowls such as pet bowls that are not used anymore. 

However, do not use your pet’s bowl as slugs can be a serious health risk for dogs as they can contain lungworm which can be fatal for dogs if they are infected. Only use a pet bowl that will not be used by an animal again.

Instructions: 

All you need to do is place a shallow container a short distance away from the plants you wish to protect (about one or two metres) to lure in the slugs.

It is best to place the trap on garden paths or shady spots that slugs will be attracted to.

Make sure the container is level with the soil or just slightly above the ground so slugs can easily crawl in.

Fill the container up with water, add both the sugar and yeast, then mix everything together. 

Leave the trap overnight and in the morning check it and there should be dozens of dead slugs.

Sheryl said: “Then go crack that beer and enjoy the rest of your evening. Slugs come out at night so check your traps the next morning and dispose of the contents in the garbage.” 

Pour the contents of the trap and refill every few days or when needed and you will have a highly effective method for stopping slugs harming your garden.