Snail Control in Spring: How to Protect Your Plants from These Slimy Pests

Written by Camilla Jessen

Mar.06 - 2025 8:19 PM CET

Garden
Photo: SHutterstock.com
Photo: SHutterstock.com
As spring arrives, bringing longer days and more sunshine, it also marks the return of a common garden threat—snails.

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As spring arrives, bringing longer days and more sunshine, it also signals the return of snails — a potential threat to your garden.

Gardeners need to be especially vigilant in protecting their spring flowers and plants.

These voracious creatures favor young shoots and tender leaves, posing a real risk to garden growth.

Snails are omnivores and feed on a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, flowers, and fruits. They are particularly attracted to hostas, which are loved for their lush foliage and sweet scent.

Unfortunately, hostas also tend to be a favorite snack for snails, making them a challenge for home gardeners.

Experts at Gardener's World warn that snails are the "biggest enemy" of hostas.

To protect your plants, they recommend using biological deterrents such as Nemaslug, a natural snail repellent. Another effective method is placing copper strips around pots, as snails avoid contact with copper.

According to The Mirror, natural predators like hedgehogs, frogs, and ground beetles can also help keep snail populations in check. Since snails are most active at night, regularly checking your plants and manually removing them can be an effective control strategy.

By following these tips, you can safeguard your garden from snails and fully enjoy the beauty of spring.