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Coffee kills slugs better than the most commonly sold poison bait for slugs.

In the garden pest control is best when organic. Gardeners often ask how to rid of slugs in the home and garden with coffee. How to get rid of slugs and snails with coffee. How to make caffeine spray for slugs. Coffee and caffeine are safe for pets and wildlife in the veggie garden, flower garden, backyard garden, in trees, shrubs and all other areas where organic gardening is desired.

How to Get Rid of Slugs and Snails With Coffee

According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in Hilo, Hawaii, concentrations of as low as 0.01 percent caffeine repel slugs. A cup of instant coffee contains 0.05 percent caffeine. In studies, a solution of one to two percent caffeine kills most slugs within two days.

Can You Spray Coffee To Kill Slugs?

Placing coffee grounds around plants will deter slugs, but liquid coffee is even more beneficial. Spray cold coffee on leaves and soil around the plants. Reapply after rains or overhead watering. Slugs aren’t choosy.  A cheap coffee purchased in bulk, works just as well as an expensive coffee blend.

Unusual, exotic coffees are fun for the gardener to try, and the slugs will be repelled just as they are with regular coffee blends.

More Effective Than Poisons:  Coffee Grounds as a Slug Repellent

The studies show that caffeine is more effective than metaldehyde which is the most commonly used poison for slugs. Metaldehyde is fatal to pets and wildlife.  Organic slug and snail killers are available as a last resort, but at least they are safe for pets, wildlife, and children.

Slugs can be easily controlled with organic methods without endangering animals and small inquisitive children.

Author Marilyn Pokorney
Copyright Marilyn Pokorney 2019