Black slugs, or Arion hortensis, are molluscs generally found in gardens but which, attracted by humidity, can also find their way into homes. If you are facing an infestation of these little black slugs in the house, it is possible to eliminate them without resorting to harmful chemicals. Discover here the most effective methods to get rid of them and protect your home sustainably.
📝 Summary of tips for keeping little black slugs away from the house
| Method 🛠️ | Description 📖 |
|---|---|
| Coarse salt 🧂 | Keeps slugs away by creating a desiccant barrier around entry areas. |
| White vinegar 🧴 | Dilute with water and spray on areas frequented by slugs for a deterrent effect. |
| Beer trap 🍺 | Attracts slugs which, trapped, cannot escape. |
| Coffee grounds ☕ | Creates an abrasive barrier that they avoid crossing. |
| Essential oils 🌱 | Thyme and garlic are excellent repellents. |
| Cleaning and maintenance 🧹 | Keep your home clean to limit humidity and reduce their presence. |
The reasons for the presence of small black slugs in the house
The small black slug often ventures into homes to seek humidity, an ideal refuge, especially during rainy periods. They can enter through cracks in walls or spaces under doors, and are happy to settle in damp corners such as basements, bathrooms and kitchens.
Preventing and eliminating small black slugs in the house
1. Use coarse salt to create a natural barrier
Coarse salt is a simple and effective method for getting rid of small black slugs in the house. This is because salt absorbs water from their bodies, dehydrating them quickly. To use it, simply sprinkle a thin layer of coarse salt around doors and windows, or other traffic areas. This barrier will keep slugs out without harming your pets or children, as long as it is applied in moderation.
2. Deter slugs with white vinegar
White vinegar, diluted 50% with water, is an easy-to-prepare anti-slug solution. You can spray it around areas where slugs seem to be infiltrating. However, be careful to avoid excessive use of vinegar outdoors or in areas where it could affect other fragile elements in your home.
3. Prepare a beer trap
Small black slugs are attracted to the smell of beer. Fill a small container with beer and place it near the areas where you have noticed their presence. They will enter the container to consume the beer and will not be able to come out. However, if this attracts more slugs, choose other methods to limit the risk of invasion.
4. Coffee grounds: an effective repellent
Coffee grounds are an excellent natural barrier. In addition to repelling slugs, it is inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Place it in strategic locations, especially around doors or damp areas such as the bathroom or kitchen, to discourage slugs from infiltrating.
5. Choose repellent essential oils
Essential oils of thyme, garlic or eucalyptus give off odors that repel slugs. You can mix a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle of water and apply this solution to potential entry points in your home. In addition to repelling slugs, these oils will leave a pleasant smell in your home.
Preventing the reappearance of small black slugs in the house
To prevent slugs from returning, it is crucial to maintain your home regularly.
Here are some prevention tips :
- Make sure to seal cracks and gaps well under doors, windows and walls, to limit entry points for slugs.
- Reduce sources of moisture by regularly ventilating rooms prone to humidity, such as bathrooms and basements.
- Clean wet areas regularly where slugs could establish themselves, in order to reduce their comfort and access to water.
If you want to see some of these methods in action, you can check out this YouTube video, which explores various techniques for eliminating slugs around the house.
Glossary of important terms 🧑🏫
| Term | Definition 📚 |
|---|---|
| Slug 🐌 | Shellless mollusk, often harmful in gardens and sometimes indoors. |
| Arion hortensis 🐚 | Scientific name of the small black slug common in Europe. |
| Coffee grounds ☕ | Ground coffee residue used as a natural repellent. |
| Coarse salt 🧂 | Coarse-grained salt, used to dehydrate slugs. |
| White vinegar 🧴 | Acidic slug repellent liquid. |
| Beer trap 🍺 | Beer container used to attract and trap slugs. |
| Essential oils 🌱 | Natural plant extracts used as pest repellents. |
| Humidity 💧 | Favorable condition for the presence of slugs, indoors or outdoors. |
| Cracks 🪟 | Unintentional openings that can allow slugs to enter. |
| Repellent 🚫 | Substance or method intended to keep pests away from certain areas. |
With these tips, you can now adopt simple and natural methods to eliminate small black slugs from your home and prevent their return.
