No one thinks about it until it happens to them. But opening your dishwasher door to find a slug inside is one of the most revolting things you can experience. Fortunately, if you have experienced it, there are a number of things you can do.
In this article, you’ll find out the best ways to remove slugs from your dishwasher, how to prevent it again, and why they enter. So keep reading to find out!
How To Get Rid Of Slugs In Your Dishwasher?
If you have slugs in your dishwasher, then thankfully, there are a few different ways you can remove them. Some of them are easy, and some definitely aren’t for the faint of heart.
Add Bleach And Run The Dishwasher
The easiest way to remove slugs from your dishwasher is to replace the soap dispenser with bleach and then run your dishwasher. Not only will this kill the slugs and wash them away, but it will also remove any slime trails as well.
If you’re worried about the bleach having an effect on your dishwasher, you can simply add detergent back to the soap dispenser and run it through again.
Remove Them By Hand
For those who aren’t squeamish, another great way to get rid of slugs in your dishwasher is to simply remove them by hand. If you’re not up for that, you can also try removing them with some sort of utensil. (I heard of one woman who used a pair of tongs.)
At this point, you can decide whether you want to kill the slug or release him back into the wild.
Add A Slug Trap
If you don’t need to use the dishwasher urgently, you can add a slug trap to your dishwasher to catch any slugs inside. To do this, just get a shallow bowl and fill it about 1″ in height with beer or a sugary drink. This will attract any slugs in your dishwasher, and once they fall in, they won’t be able to get back out.
(According to Hunker)
How To Prevent Slugs Entering Your Dishwasher
Removing slugs is only half the battle; the bulk of it will be preventing slugs from getting back into your dishwasher. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can do this.
Keep The Dishwasher Door Shut
The easiest, of course, has to be keeping the dishwasher door shut. If a slug got into your dishwasher, then they probably got in through the door. So by keeping the door shut, you’re going to massively eliminate the chances of them getting in.
Check For Any Holes Around The Dishwasher
You should also check for any holes or cracks around your dishwasher. Not only can slugs hide in these during the day, but they may also be the way slugs are getting into your home. If you notice any, you can just use expanding foam to fill them up.
Check Around Your Dishwasher In General
While you’re looking for holes, you should also check around your dishwasher for signs of slugs in general, as there may be more in your kitchen. Some signs to look for are slime trails, house plants that have been eaten. And, of course, if you can physically see a slug.
Remove Any Access To Food
You should also make it as hard as possible for slugs to access food. This may mean moving plants to another area of the house and making sure crumbs, and other bits of food aren’t falling on the floor. And lastly, if you notice any mold in your kitchen, remove it immediately.
Doing all of this will make your kitchen (and therefore dishwasher) a lot less attractive to slugs.
Check Moisture
Slugs like cool, moist areas, and if there’s a problem with your dishwasher, it could be creating the perfect habitat for slugs. Check for any places your dishwasher may be leaking, and then get it fixed as soon as possible.
Add Plants Slugs Hate
If you want to add more plants to your kitchen anyway, why not add plants slugs hate? Euphorbias, rosemary, geranium, and lavender are all great choices, and they’ll brighten up your kitchen as well!
Use Copper Tape
You can also try lining the bottom of your dishwasher with copper tape. Copper tape won’t kill slugs, but it will send a charge through them, which will deter them from wanting to go near your dishwasher again. By simply placing this barrier around your dishwasher, you’re going to prevent slugs from wanting to enter.
Minimize Other Places Slugs Can Hide
And lastly, check around your house and garden for other areas slugs may be hiding in and get rid of them too. For example, if there are any logs or fallen leaves in your garden, rake them up or move them away from your house.
If you’re going to water your garden, water in the morning, so the moisture will dry up before slugs come out (At night).
Why Do Slugs Like Dishwashers?
You may be wondering why a slug would even want to enter your dishwasher in the first place. Well, the truth is, a dishwasher has the perfect conditions that a slug needs. There moist, warm and provide plenty of shade. As well as this, the chances are there’s going to be some food left in the dishwasher for a slug to eat as well.
So as you can see, why wouldn’t they want to hide inside one?
Recap
While having slugs in your dishwasher is certainly disgusting, fortunately, it’s definitely a fixable issue. So try to remove them as fast as you can. And remember, you should check all-around your home for ways slugs are getting in or other areas they may be hiding to make sure they don’t return again.
If you liked this article, check out the rest of the website! Otherwise, have a great day!
