As the weather gets wetter, you might start wondering how to get rid of slugs in your home. These slimy pests can be an absolute nuisance – leaving a silvery mucus trail across your furniture, contaminating your surfaces, and posing a threat if you live with pets who might try to eat them.
If you've ever dealt with a slug infestation, you'll know how hard these critters are to get rid of and that they don't back down easily. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to prevent them from invading your space in the first place – from managing the moisture levels to setting up barriers. Many of these methods also help keep other unwanted creatures, like mice, out as well.
To find out the easiest ways to get rid of slugs in your home, we spoke with a pest control expert for their top prevention tips. Read on for a step-by-step guide, recommended products, and insights into why slugs might suddenly appear.
1. Seal up gaps to stop slugs from entering
Did you know that slugs can fit through gaps as small as 5mm? That’s why it’s important to carry out a proper inspection of your home for any openings they might sneak through.
According to Tony King, pest control expert at The Pied Piper, you should pay close attention to gaps around window frames, under doors and where pipes enter your home. These spots are easy access points for slugs to slither through, as well as places that provide shelter, darkness and dampness.
When it comes to sealing them up, Tony says that silicone caulk, weatherstripping, and door sweeps work wonders – and as a bonus, they also help keep out spiders, draughts and unwanted insects.
Top products for sealing your home
Waterproof and mould-resistant, this durable silicone seal is suitable for humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms, and dries in just 20 minutes.
By sticking this foam weather strip tape around your doors and windows, you'll block potential entry points for slugs.
This self-adhesive door sweep keeps slugs out while also helping to reduce your energy bills by keeping heat in your home.
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in operation for more than 25 years. His team of professionals can help eliminate everything from mouse infestations to slug intrusions.
2. Manage your moisture levels
One of the best ways to keep the slugs out is by keeping your home as dry as possible. Slugs prefer damp environments because they need constant moisture to survive – whether it’s producing the slime that allows them to move, breathing through their skin, or preventing their bodies from drying out.
Tony King says, "Slugs often come inside after entering holes in damp basements, utility rooms, or even under poorly sealed outside doors. Fixing leaky taps, pipes or unattended bathrooms can do much to deter an infestation."
You should also be careful about leaving wet towels lying around or keeping potted plants indoors, as Tony warns that these create an ideal setting for slugs. If your house feels damp, consider investing in one of the best dehumidifiers, which remove excess moisture from the air and help prevent mould and mildew.
3. Put up barriers for the slugs
Another effective way to keep slugs out is to set up barriers around your home. One of Tony King's top recommendations is copper tape, which gives slugs a mild electric shock when they try to cross it. It can be wrapped around windowsills, doorways, and garden edges to block these accessible entry points. This EVG copper slug tape from Amazon would be suitable for this.
Andy McLaughlin, Landscaping Specialist at RF Paving, also suggests using copper tape around the perimeters of plant pots (whether indoors or outdoors) which could also enhance the appearance.
Tony says, "Another practical tip I generally give is the use of grit-like substances, such as diatomaceous earth or ground eggshells, along the perimeter of the house. These leave a rough surface that slugs find unpalatable."
Protect your home against a range of pests – including slugs, ants, ticks, and fleas – with this all-natural diatomaceous earth powder.
Andy McLaughlin is the sales and operations director of RF Paving, one of the UK’s leading distributors of landscaping products.
4. Use strong scents to deter slugs
One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get rid of slugs in your home is to repel them with strong-smelling scents they find unpleasant or toxic. Tony King suggests using coffee grounds, garlic and lemon rinds, which you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard. Alternatively, this peppermint essential oil from Amazon or this eucalyptus oil, also available at Amazon, can work well.
Tony says, "The strong odour overwhelms their ability to smell and the situation is less appealing. Salt is not so much a smell repellent; it's really more of an immediate physical irritant, but it will certainly repel them if used sparingly along perimeters."
Why do slugs suddenly appear in the house?
Slugs usually appear for three reasons: moisture, food, and shelter. According to Tony King, they are attracted to places that can absorb water, such as dead plants, soft vegetables, and leaves.
You’re most likely to spot them in basements, greenhouses, and home garages, where there is often plenty of moisture, as well as stored vegetables and potted plants that they can use as a food source. These locations also provide the perfect dark, damp and cool conditions for them to hide from heat, sun, and predators.
As a final point, Tony King suggests keeping a close eye on your kitchen and utility room for any spilled pet food, rotting vegetables, or other organic materials that could attract slugs. Make sure your surfaces are kept clean, free of mess, and – most importantly – dry.
For more expert-backed pest control advice, check out our top tips on how to get rid of carpet moths and prevent damage to your home.
