UK's 'slug invasion': Pesky slugs and snails are awash in sodden gardens and stripping plants bare after weeks of downpours - as expert reveals how frogs and toads can help
- Do YOU have a slug and snail problem in your garden? Email: Edward.Holt@mailonline.co.uk
After weeks of rainy weather Britain's sodden gardens are awash with pesky slugs and snails as an expert reveals how frogs and toads can help deal with the pests.
The damp summer showers are likely to only bring more annoyance to the nation's gardeners - as the rain combined with the mild temperatures provides the perfect breeding conditions for gastropods.
These conditions means the survival rate for slugs and snails has increased and they are also more likely to reproduce earlier too.
Gardeners have seemingly noticed the increased presence of the slimy beasts - who are only more visible during wet weather as they spend even more time in gardens.
According to The Sunday Times, the Royal Horticultural Society said it had been inundated with inquiries about slugs and snails, including on the gardening advice desk at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
According The Sunday Times , the Royal Horticultural Society said it had been inundated with inquiries about slugs and snails, including on the gardening advice desk at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The damp summer showers are likely to only bring more annoyance to the nation's gardeners - as the rain combined with the mild temperatures provides the perfect breeding conditions for gastropods
As the RHS no longer classes slugs and snails as pest, they are now encouraging humans and gastropods to learn to peacefully coexist
A frog on a lilypad in a pond. Dr Jones, speaking to The Times, advised gardeners to install a small wildlife pond if they can to encourage frogs and toads to move there
As gardeners complain they are munching on their plants and lawns.
To keep your green space as snail and slug free as possible Dr Hayley Jones, the RHS's principal entomologist, has some helpful advice.
Dr Jones, speaking to The Times, advised gardeners to install a small wildlife pond if they can to encourage frogs and toads to move there. She said: 'These are some of the many predators that can help keep slug and snail populations in balance in a wildlife friendly garden.'
She also advise moving growing plantlets under glass or on benches until it is bigger.
The RHS does not advice the use of slug pellets or similar products. This is because even the organic version can negatively impact other wildlife.
As the RHS no longer classes slugs and snails as pest, they are now encouraging humans and gastropods to learn to peacefully coexist.
It says on its website: 'It's much better to learn to live with slugs and snails, especially if you have a garden that has the right conditions for them.
'They will always be present and are a normal part of the garden ecosystem.'
And as a crucial part of the ecosystem, with both creatures playing a role in the composting process of dead leaves, it could benefit both if we learn to live together.
