Slug pellets banned as gardeners encouraged to use beer on pests

Gardeners are banned from putting out slug pellets to protect their gardens from Friday because they are poisonous.

Instead gardens will have to use beer to kill the slugs that are targeting their prized vegetables and flowers.

Slug pellets contain metaldehyde, an organic compound that is toxic for slugs and other wildlife such as hedgehogs, birds and even dogs. That danger has lead to the ban on pellets which have been used in gardens for more than half a century.

Slugs aren’t poisoned by beer but are attracted to its yeasty aroma and when they fall they drown.

Charity Garden Organic launched research project which found Bitter and lager are the most effective replacement for pellets. However they will take to red and white wines, Cava and cider.

Emma O’Neill, the charity’s head gardener, added: “Slugs love beer. Many gardeners know that slugs are confirmed lager louts and their love of this tipple can certainly distract them from your plants. The smell of lager and bitter really seems to attract them.

“The charity also suggests using copper tape to protect plants from slugs or luring them underneath an old roof tile with a piece of lettuce. It recommends raised beds and containers to deter slugs.

The ban on slug pellets was first proposed in 201 when it was proposed by then Environment Secretary Michael Gove, following advice from the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides and the Health and Safety Executive that they pose an unacceptable risk to birds and mammals.

But the decision was successfully challenged in the High Court by slug pellet manufacturer Chiltern Farm Chemicals after the Government conceded its decision- making process had been flawed.

However, the ban was eventually given the green light.

Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said: ‘The scientific evidence is clear – the risks metaldehyde poses to the environment and to wildlife are too great.’