UK on red alert amid 'slug invasion' that risks plants being stripped bare after rain

After weeks of rainy weather, Britain's gardens are overrun with pesky slugs and snails with an expert suggesting that frogs and toads can help manage these pests.

The damp summer showers are expected to frustrate gardeners further, as the combination of rain and mild temperatures creates ideal breeding conditions for gastropods.

These conditions have increased the survival rate of slugs and snails, making them more likely to reproduce earlier as well.

Gardeners have observed a noticeable increase in the presence of these slimy pests, which are more visible during wet weather as they spend additional time in gardens.

According to The Sunday Times, the Royal Horticultural Society said it had been inundated with inquiries about slugs and snails, including on the gardening advice desk at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

As gardeners complain they are munching on their plants and lawns.

To keep your green space as snail and slug free as possible Dr Hayley Jones, the RHS's principal entomologist, has some helpful advice.

Dr Jones, speaking to The Times, advised gardeners to install a small wildlife pond if they can to encourage frogs and toads to move there.

She said: “These are some of the many predators that can help keep slug and snail populations in balance in a wildlife friendly garden.”

She also suggested moving growing plantlets under glass or on benches until it is bigger.

The RHS does not advice the use of slug pellets or similar products. This is because even the organic version can negatively impact other wildlife.

As the RHS no longer class slugs and snails as pests, they are now encouraging humans and gastropods to learn to coexist peacefully.

It says on its website: “It's much better to learn to live with slugs and snails, especially if you have a garden that has the right conditions for them.

“They will always be present and are a normal part of the garden ecosystem.”