Natural Pest Control

Last month the use of metaldehyde slug pellets was banned. These toxic pellets were dangerous for children, pets and wildlife, and I’d never used them or found them necessary in a balanced garden. If I’ve needed to protect individual plants – salad crops or hostas, say – I’ve used ferric phosphate pellets such as Growing Success’s Advanced Slug Killer which is certified for organic use and doesn’t carry the same risks to wildlife. As the pellets degrade they’re broken down by soil microorganisms into iron and phosphate. Or I’ve used Nemaslug, which contains naturally occurring microscopic nematodes that feed on slugs.

Natural pest control is all part of a rewilded garden. Slugs are important for breaking down plant debris and they provide food for birds. Ants also help break down organic material but they can be a nuisance in containers or patios. They can be deterred using essential oils such as tea tree or peppermint but, like slugs, they are part of a biodiverse garden. I’ll never forget watching a pair of large toads flicking out their long tongues as they fed on winged ants!