Copper tape for slugs

ginvzt

Just a quation - maybe someone knows...

Does copper tape have to be certain width to stop slugs or any will do? I found some online 5mm width, which costs jsut as much as the one named 'slug copper tape', but the length is 8 times more.

The width of the 'slug copper tape' seems to be 2-3cm width, the one I found is 5mm only (so 0.5cm).

Do you think it would work? Or I better get the wider one to protect my plants? I have quite a few new pots and planters and i need quite a lot of it.

Sally_A

Copper tape is much dearer than slug pellets. A few hidden slug pubs work much better.

Home made slug pubs are really easy - bear with me here as I don't know how to post pics.

2 litre fizzy pop bottle, cut it off at the mark about 5cm from the bottom, and cut it off at the top just before the dome shape goes straight. (Basically you are removing the straight middle bit).

Cut door hole archways (3) in the top bit, approx 2 cm width. Slot the top into the bottom section (it will slot in, because the door holes make it more flexible). Fill the bottom with beer dregs, either from the slops in a friendly local pub, or from a homebrewing mate. Keep the bottle lid on as this will stop rain getting in and diluting it all.

Easy to clean and empty, or just chuck when cacky beyond belief.

PM me with your email address if you want to see pics.

annie123

I use this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SLUG-TAPE-COPPER-TAPE-REPEL-30MM-X-LONGER-4M-3-ROLLS-/300370397674?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Home_Garden_Garden_Plants_Weed_Pest_Control_CV&hash=item45ef7889ea

Its £5.99 30mm x 12 meters, and quick delivery time too, and no I'm not connected to them in any way, just a happy customer.

5mm isn't very deep, bigger ones may still be able to cross it.

pookiewn

Crushed up egg shells around the plant work too, they don't like the texture apparently. There's no chemicals and they can go into the compost.

elsien

I think I read on a previous thread (try doing a search) that people have used copper wire out of old electrical leads as well, so maybe it doesn't need to be that wide. Not tried it myself though.

C_Mababejive

I use 15mm or 22mm copper tube cut into four lengths and formed into a square using 15 or 22 mm copper elbows. Its most effective. I then arrange this around the base of the affected plant giving a good clearance. I then sprinkle slug pellets outside the perimeter of the copper. If they get through that lot then good luck to them.

owlet

elsien wrote: »

I think I read on a previous thread (try doing a search) that people have used copper wire out of old electrical leads as well, so maybe it doesn't need to be that wide. Not tried it myself though.

We use copper wire from old electric leads and it works a treat. We started using it last year and had no problems on our pots with slugs/snails at all :j.
We just put a single strand round the pots and leave it.

ginvzt

Ok, I am going to try the narrow copper tape. I can even put to lines if I need to, it would still be cheaper.

My replanted carrots (I had to, couldn't leave them in the pot - haven't thought through well in the first place) are being eaten away, so egg shells will go there. I can't face using beer traps, as I wouldn't be able to clean them out - it would make me sick.

I tried going out in the evening couple of times to find them in the business, but haven't seen a single slug then! I know I have them, as I saw some when working the soil (those are not there anymore), but they are so good at hiding from me!

RebekahR

annie123 wrote: »

I use this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SLUG-TAPE-COPPER-TAPE-REPEL-30MM-X-LONGER-4M-3-ROLLS-/300370397674?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Home_Garden_Garden_Plants_Weed_Pest_Control_CV&hash=item45ef7889ea

Its £5.99 30mm x 12 meters, and quick delivery time too, and no I'm not connected to them in any way, just a happy customer.

5mm isn't very deep, bigger ones may still be able to cross it.

I use exactly the same. Also a happy customer :-)

cootambear

They dont like gravel. For slug pubs u can save up jam/coffee jars etc.

moneymabel

Sally_A wrote: »

Copper tape is much dearer than slug pellets. A few hidden slug pubs work much better.

Home made slug pubs are really easy - bear with me here as I don't know how to post pics.

2 litre fizzy pop bottle, cut it off at the mark about 5cm from the bottom, and cut it off at the top just before the dome shape goes straight. (Basically you are removing the straight middle bit).

Cut door hole archways (3) in the top bit, approx 2 cm width. Slot the top into the bottom section (it will slot in, because the door holes make it more flexible). Fill the bottom with beer dregs, either from the slops in a friendly local pub, or from a homebrewing mate. Keep the bottle lid on as this will stop rain getting in and diluting it all.

Easy to clean and empty, or just chuck when cacky beyond belief.

PM me with your email address if you want to see pics.

Wish I'd seen this post before i bought the slug pubs from ebay! Great idea thankyou very much!