We all know that feeling of disgust we get when we see a slug in the bathroom. It’s even worse if you step on it. However, fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do to get rid of slugs in your bathroom. In this article, not only will you find out how to remove them from your bathroom, but you’ll also learn why they enter, and most importantly, how you can prevent them in the future!
So keep reading to find out everything there is to know!
Why Are There Slugs In Your Bathroom?
There are three main reasons that slugs have entered your bathroom: For shade, warmth, and moisture. If your bathroom isn’t ventilated, then the chances are you’re providing slugs with all three.
However, these are just basic needs. If you’ve decorated your bathroom with plants, then you’ve given slugs another reason to enter it. And lastly, you may not realize it, but you might be leaving a lot of food in your bathroom for slugs. Mold, fungi, food scraps, and even feces are all seen as delicious meals to slugs.
But How Are Slugs Getting In?
Okay, you know why slugs want to get into your bathroom, but HOW are they getting in?
Slugs don’t have any bones, which means they can squeeze their bodies through tiny gaps. And once they’re in, they’re also able to hide in tiny cracks as well. The most common ways a slug will get into your bathroom are through open windows, under door frames, vents, any holes or cracks in your walls (Even small holes you may have drilled at some point).
How Do You Spot Slugs In Your Bathroom?
Before you start trying to treat your bathroom for slugs, the first thing you’re going to want to do is to make sure you actually have an infestation. Here are the most common signs:
- You can physically see slugs – If you can actually see slugs moving around then the chances are you have a problem.
- Slime trails are everywhere – Just like if you can see them, if you notice slime trails in your bathroom it means the slugs are probably hiding somewhere.
- Bathroom plants may be eaten – Lastly, if you notice holes or bites taken out of your bathroom plants, then this is another sign that you have a slug infestation.
So, How Do You Get Slugs Out Of Your Bathroom?
Fortunately, there are SO many different ways you can get slugs out of your bathroom. And eventually, keep them out! Here are the main ways you should try!
1. Salt
Salt is the age-old method of removing slugs from your home. However, it’s not the most humane way. If you do plan on using salt, the trick is to trace slug trails back to their source, which will normally be a hole or crevice somewhere. Once you’ve done this, simply pour the salt into the crevice, and the slug will be no more.
2. Slug Traps
If you want something a bit more humane, then a slug trap is an excellent choice. Fill a container with sugary liquid or beer, and then leave it out. Once it’s out, it will attract slugs to it, who should then fall in. And once they’re in, it will be hard for them to get out. Then all you have to do is place the trap where you think the slugs are often going.
(Just be sure to empty the traps as soon as possible, or you may end up killing the slug.)
3. Slug Baits
You can also try slug baits as well. However, when you’re choosing slug baits, be extra careful if you have pets or small children, as some slug baits can be extremely toxic to everyone. Before buying slug baits, check to be sure it’s not harmful to pets and kids. And once you find one that isn’t, all you have to do is sprinkle them into infested areas and wait for the slugs to die.
(If you’re not sure what slug bait to get, then you should try Sluggo Plus Wildlife and Pet Safe Slug Killer.)
4. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is a great pest killer, and it will get rid of most creepy crawlies in your home. (Even though it’s generally used for gardens.) Simply sprinkle it in the areas where you think slugs are, and it will kill them over a few days.
However, sprinkle it before you have a shower because the moment it gets wet, it becomes ineffective. Also, make sure you’re not inhaling it, as some people find it irritating.
How Do You Prevent Slugs From Entering Your Bathroom?
Now the real key to success is to stop slugs entering your bathroom in the first place. And here are the best ways you can do it!
1. Copper Tape
Copper tape is a great deterrent for slugs, and while it’s normally used for gardens, it can definitely be used in the home. The copper tape just needs to be placed down as a barrier around any area you think slugs are trying to get in. Once they touch it, they’ll be given a shock that will deter them from going near it again.
2. Reseal All Doors And Windows
You should also reseal all the doors and windows in your bathroom to make it impossible for slugs to enter.
3. Use Slug Repelling Plants
If your bathroom backs onto a garden, then you can also plant some slug repellent plants near the windows or doors to stop slugs from getting in. Wormwood, rue, anise, fennel, and rosemary are all great choices, but if you have to choose one, astrantia is probably the best bet.
4. Add A Bird Feeder To Your Garden
As well as slug repellent plants, you could also try adding a bird feeder to your garden to attract more birds. Birds are natural predators to slugs, so if they start coming into your garden, they’re going to drastically decrease the slug population in your garden! It may also give you a new hobby as well.
5. Clean Your Bathroom
It goes without saying, but if there are slugs in your bathroom, that means it’s a good time to give it a solid clean. Make sure you’re removing all mold or fungus that could be growing in there so that you’re also removing the slug’s food source. As well as this, give the shower, drains, and sinks a good scrub as well.
6. Try Adding Indoor Slug Repellent Plants
Aside from using slug repellent plants outside, you can also add slug repellent plants to your bathroom as well. Hydrangeas and lavender are great choices. However, you can also try euphorbias, rosemary, and geraniums as well!
7. Use Expanding Foam To Fill Holes
Lastly, if there are any holes or cracks that go from the outside of your house to the inside, you should use expanding foam to fill them up. This way, you’re going to make it impossible for slugs to get in. And not only will it be impossible for them to get in. You’ll also stop wind and the other elements getting in as well!
Recap
As you can see, there are a whole bunch of ways you can stop slugs from getting into your bathroom! As well as a whole bunch of ways to remove them once they’re in. The real trick, however, is to stop them from entering in the first place!
So follow the advice above, and you’ll have a slug-free bathroom in no time! If you liked this article, check out the rest of the website! Otherwise, have a great day!
