How to deter slugs with copper tape

How to deter slugs with copper tape

Discover how to protect your pot and container plants from slugs and snails with copper tape, in this simple guide.

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
To do
To do

Do To do in January

Do To do in February

Do To do in March

Do To do in April

Do To do in May

Do To do in June

Do To do in July

Do To do in August

Do To do in September

Do To do in October

Do To do in November

Do To do in December

Slug damage can ruin the appearance of lush, foliage plants, flowers and vegetables. Among others, hostas, dahlias and peas are regularly eaten, which can make them difficult to grow in areas where slugs are common.

While you could choose to grow a range of slug-proof plants, like rodgersia and brunnera, slugs may also be repelled from your container-grown plants if you fix copper tape to your pots. Copper tape is thin, easy to cut and simple to apply. Plus, it will gradually turn green over time, giving it an attractive aged look.

More ways to get rid of slugs:

Follow our step-by-step guide, below, to protecting your plants from slug damage with copper tape.

Copper tape is thin, easy to cut and simple to apply.
Advertisement

You Will Need

  • Copper tape
  • Pinking shears

Step 1

Cut a piece of tape that’s long enough to fit around your pot then, using the pinking shears, cut a decorative edging along one side.

Cutting copper tape with pinking shears
Cutting copper tape with pinking shears

Step 2

Carefully stick the tape just below the rim of the pot. Remove a little bit of the backing at a time, smoothing out any creases as you go.

Sticking the copper tape to the pot
Sticking the copper tape to the pot
Advertisement

For plants growing in the ground you can buy copper rings that can be placed around the crowns of your plants in spring, protecting the emerging foliage within.

Slug