Slug crackdown

SIR – I have found that crushed eggshells have done a great job deterring slugs and snails from eating my hostas and vegetables (report, September 28).

However, the membrane adhering to the inside of the egg shell must be removed before the shell is used. It is up to gardeners to decide whether the time and trouble it takes to prepare the shells are worth it. G A Carter

Waltham, Hampshire

SIR – The Royal Horticultural Society appears to be unaware of the most effective way of dealing with slugs (apart from drowning them in beer traps).

Slugs (and snails) will tuck into small mounds of broad bran placed near vulnerable plants. I am told this dries out their insides; they die and can safely be eaten by birds.

Bagshot, Surrey

SIR – I am the fourth generation of a family business of chimney sweeps.

Coal soot has always been used for gardens and allotments. Slugs and snails hate it and will not go near it. J B Langley

York SIR – Get ducks. Symington, Ayrshire