Yesterday it rained a bit in New South Wales. Thankfully, it did not rain as much in Sydney as it did in the Northern Rivers area, check out (Flooding in the Northern Rivers). However, rain is a double edged sword for us gardening types. The pro’s are that we get a day off watering the plants and we get to capture some rainwater. The cons are the critters that surface during rain, most notably the snails and slugs of the world.
Snails are one of the many not so friendly visitors to the garden. If left alone they will destroy an otherwise healthy harvest. So yesterday during the rain I decided to build some defences the easy peesy way. The steps and requirements are below.
The Weapons of Snail Destruction
Like the ingredients in the Weapons of Maggot Destruction the requirements for snail traps are quite humble and common place. All that is needed is a beer and a liquid proof container. In my case I used and used aluminium drip tray and a bottle of Hahn Premium Light (not pictured).
How it Works
The trap works by luring the snails to the beer. The snail then drinks, gets drunk, and drowns. Simple as that.
Process
- Dig the container into the ground a little. This means the snails are more likely to travel into the trap as they are not climbing materials they may otherwise avoid. Do not get too pendantic about having the trap 100% level, its not a beauty statement after all.
- Bait the trap by pouring in your chosen beer. Do not waste a premium ale here, a standard cheap variety is just as effective for snails. Simply fill the container two thirds full with your chosen amber liquid.
- Walk away and check it the next day. Fish out the dead snails and walk away again. When the beer finally evaporates simply sacrifice another bottle of beer and its away again
I love this trap as it is simple, effective and cheaper than using a commercial snail repellent solution. It is also better for the environment.
