Slug Infestations in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham
While slugs are generally harmless, their presence indoors can be unsettling, particularly due to the slime trails they leave behind. These slimy tracks are unpleasant to touch and see, often appearing on floors, walls, and around doorways. In the North East of England, slugs are typically attracted to damp environments, making properties in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham more susceptible, especially after periods of rain.
Why Slugs Invade Homes
The most common reason for slugs entering a home is damp. Whether it’s from moisture build-up inside or damp conditions outside, slugs seek out areas with high humidity where they can remain hydrated. They typically enter through cracks in walls, doorways, or around air bricks.
Preparation Before Slug Treatment
To help ensure effective treatment, here are some steps you should take:
- Leave slime trails intact: These tracks help our technician identify where slugs are most active.
- Address any damp issues: Consider installing a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels inside your home. Slugs thrive in damp conditions, so addressing this can prevent future infestations.
Aftercare for Slug Treatments
Once treatment is complete, it’s important to follow these aftercare tips:
- Allow the spray to dry: Avoid wiping or cleaning treated areas until the solution has fully dried.
- Remove moisture: Continue addressing dampness by using a dehumidifier, ventilating areas, and keeping surfaces dry.
- Outdoor proofing: Trim overgrown vegetation and remove items like wood piles or plant pots from the perimeter of your property. These areas can provide shelter for slugs.
- Block entry points: Ensure that cracks, air bricks, and other possible slug entry points are sealed. We offer stainless steel mesh air brick covers to help prevent slugs from entering your home.
- Careful use of slug pellets: If using slug pellets outside, place them away from where you want to deter slugs, as they contain attractants. Be cautious as they can be harmful to wildlife and pets.
How Our Slug Treatment Works
At PEST-SHIELD, we utilise an eco-friendly Yucca plant extract repellent spray to stop slugs from entering areas where they’ve been active. In some cases, we may apply a residual insecticide to surfaces to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and provide longer-lasting protection.
Facts About Slugs
- Gastropods: Slugs are part of the gastropod mollusc family, which means they lack a shell.
- Movement: Slugs move via muscular contractions on the underside of their body, known as the foot. Their foot secretes mucus, creating the characteristic slime trail.
- Moisture-dependent: Slugs’ bodies are made primarily of water, so they require damp environments to survive. During the day, they hide in moist, shaded places, coming out mostly at night or after rainfall.
- Diet: Slugs eat a wide range of plant material, making them a common pest in gardens. They consume fruits, vegetables, and even decaying organic matter.
- Predators: Natural predators include frogs, toads, snakes, and birds.
- Reproduction: Slugs are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, and lay eggs in moist, protected areas.