Slugged! Gardeners face pest invasion amid strawberry boom

England is bracing for an imminent surge of slugs emerging from hiding, driven by recent spells of wet weather. This emergence coincides with an unusually early and abundant strawberry harvest, a result of prior sunny conditions. Horticultural experts note that the gastropods, having endured a dry spring, are now emerging ravenously into damp gardens across the country.

These hungry slugs pose a particular threat to newly planted vegetables and the ripening strawberries, as they are known to feed on both fruits and seedlings. While leaf damage may be minor, damage to fruit is a significant concern for gardeners. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is preparing for an increase in member inquiries regarding slug infestations.

Instead of resorting to harmful slug pellets, which can poison other wildlife, the RHS now advocates for planet-friendly gardening practices. Recommended methods include spreading straw around vulnerable plants, as slugs dislike crawling on it, and temporarily keeping seedlings in protected environments. Relocating slugs to compost heaps is also suggested as a way to aid recycling processes without harming the creatures.