Worried about slugs and snails munching on your favourite plants? Gardeners are snapping up this clever £18 ceramic ornament that doubles as a pesticide-free slug trap, helping to protect flowers and foliage without relying on harsh chemicals.
Safe for pets, wildlife and pollinators, the Ceramic Snail Shaped Slug Beer Trap (also known as Sid the slug catcher) lures slugs and snails inside using beer, preventing them from reaching your prized plants. Unlike traditional pellets and chemical treatments, this decorative ceramic design blends seamlessly into borders and pots, making it a practical yet stylish addition to any garden.
To try it, pour in beer (or a mix of sugar, water and yeast) and place it near plants that are vulnerable to attacks from the slimy garden pests (such as hostas, dahlias, young seedlings, or scented marigolds). The yeast scent will attract them into the trap, while the liquid will stop them from escaping once inside.
Esschert Selections Ceramic Snail Shaped Slug Beer Trap
'Meet Sid the slug catcher. He's a ceramic slug trap that offers an environmentally friendly way to control slugs. Place the trap among plants that slugs are keen on,' say the designers.
'Sid loves a beer, and he's not too fussy on brands. Fill the reservoir with beer and let Sid do his magic. Empty him regularly on your compost heap and refill for best results.'
Speaking about the trap, one Amazon customer wrote: 'Beer traps work well but don't normally look good. This fantastic little snail really adds to the garden, is easily moved to the plants under attack, and so far, in a few weeks, I have reduced the slug population enough to save my lovely primroses. Going to buy another for the back garden.'
Another added: 'It looks so much better in the garden than anything else we have used and so easy to use.'
Elsewhere, another common slug deterrent includes sprinkling dried coffee grounds around garden beds and borders.
'For plants like delphiniums or hostas, try placing a ring of dried coffee grounds around the base of the plant. Slugs and snails are less likely to cross it because of the rough texture, while the caffeine content can also act as a deterrent,' says former royal gardener Jack Stooks, who is working with Coffee Friend.
'It won't stop every pest, but it can help reduce damage and discourage them from ruining your plants.'
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