How to Get Rid of Slugs and Snails With Yeast

Last Updated: December 25, 2019 References Approved

Most of the commercially available poisonous pellets, liquids, or granules aimed at pesky snails and slugs may also prove toxic to pets, children, and wildlife. Since slugs and snails love yeast, this article will show you a great child and pet-friendly means for dealing with them in your garden.

Steps

1
Put a lump of brewer's yeast or sprinkle powdered yeast into a jar of warm water and sugar. The jar must be deep enough to keep the slugs and snails from crawling out. You can also buy containers (traps) designed specifically for this purpose at garden supply stores.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
Research-based pest management program run by the University of California's Cooperative Extension
Go to source} A suggested mixture is two cups of warm water, a packet of dry yeast, and one teaspoonful each of salt and sugar. The salt will help ensure that the slugs and snails die before they have a chance to escape. If you're going to dump the slugs and/or mixture in your garden or compost pile, skip the salt; it'll make your soil too salty.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
Research-based pest management program run by the University of California's Cooperative Extension
Go to source}
2
Dig a hole large enough for the jar to sit in up to its mouth. This is best done in the vegetable patch or other garden space where the slugs and snails are patrolling.^{[2]
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3
Repeat every few feet. Put these traps throughout your garden at intervals of six to eight feet, since the yeast won't draw them in from any further than that.
4
Check daily and remove slugs and snails that have been attracted to the jar and dispose of them.^{[3]
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Research source} They will have crawled into the jar and drowned. You can leave them in the garden to decompose and contribute to the organic matter of the soil, or put them in a compost pile (either way, crushing them will hasten the process, if you are not squeamish about doing so).^{[4]
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5
Renew the mixture regularly. It will be impacted by rain and evaporation, so top it up as needed.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

How close to the rim should I fill the jar? If I fill it too high, won't the slugs simply drink from it without falling in?

Community Answer

Yes, if you fill it too high, the slugs can simply drink it. Fill it up about 3/4, and you should be okay!
Question

Does champagne work for snails and slugs?

Community Answer

Yes, but you can use beer because it is cheaper.