AS the temperature drops, homeowners may notice an increase in slugs entering their homes.
These tough-skinned molluscs are drawn to cosy, warm spaces away from the cold weather, and they are particularly attracted to damp environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Slugs tend to creep in through gaps under doors, cracks in walls, and other small openings that serve as entry points.
This can be a nightmare for homeowners, as no one wants to accidentally step on a slug on their kitchen floor.
One individual is currently experiencing this issue now that the colder days have arrived.
She turned to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group to seek advice after discovering a slug on her kitchen floor.
The woman wrote: “Is it now a thing to have slugs in your house?
“I’ve had damp proofing done and still got them; they only seem to be on the damp proofed side of my kitchen.”
Many people quickly responded in the comments section to share their advice, having experienced the same problem.
One person suggested a cheap Amazon purchase that she found helpful.
They attached a picture of the EcoWidow Natural Slug and Snail Repellent Killer Spray, which costs £13.50.
The product claims to be an effective, fast-acting alternative to slug killer pellets and copper tape. It is also said to be ideal for gardens, plants, and vegetables.
The individual recommending this product wrote: “We had loads when we moved into our new house.
“Apparently, they have a great sense of smell and are attracted to dog food. The previous owners had dogs.
“We’ve used this spray around doors and even put copper tape down (used for plant pots), we haven’t seen any for a few weeks now.”
On Amazon, the spray has received an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5.
I’ve had slugs coming into my ground floor for 16 years, despite getting a new floor
Reviewer
One reviewer wrote: “I highly recommend this product. I used it indoors and outdoors.
“Outdoors, there has been a very noticeable reduction in the number of slugs in my garden and on the fence.
“I don’t need to spray it around so much now – just occasionally. I had a problem with slugs in my new house for several weeks until I found their entry points and blocked them up.
“This product worked really well – slugs don’t get past where you spray it.
“Smells pleasant so doesn’t cause any issues using it indoors, and does a great job dealing with the slugs.”
Another added: “I’ve had slugs coming into my ground floor for 16 years, despite getting a new floor.
“No idea where they got in, but every morning there were slug trails everywhere. I bought this based on reviews.
“Sprayed once around the edges of the rooms and inside the bin.
“Found about 20 dead, dried-up slugs over the first few days and now nothing.
“I actually quite like the smell too, unlike some other reviewers. And it doesn’t linger. This is what I would call a perfect product.”
1. Draught-proof your home
It takes time and money to heat up your home, so it’s important that you do as much as you can to keep in the warmth. Close your doors and windows, and fill any gaps with a draught excluder.
2. Dial down your thermostat
According to Energy UK, turning down your thermostat by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bill by up to 10%, and save you around £85 per year. Plus, if you don’t have a thermostat, installing one could save up to £70 per year!
3. Move furniture around
Make sure not big, bulky furniture like sofas are blocking radiators.
4. Wash clothes on a lower temp and add an extra spin
Unless it’s bedding, towels or really dirty items, dial down the temperature to 20 or 30 degrees, and do a double spin to remove excess water.
5. Heat the person not the home
There’s not point heating up a room that no one is sitting in, so be mindful about which radiators are on.
