Can vaseline be used as a slug repellent on pots and planters?
We’ve heard on social media dozens of times that using Vaseline can be used as a slug and snail barrier. So we finally got round to testing it! The idea is that applying a layer of petroleum jelly around the rims of pots can help prevent slugs and snails from climbing up and munching on your plants. In this blog post, we’ll share our thoughts on this method— if it worked and reveal if there are any better barrier options out there for keeping these slimy pests at bay!
So the long and short if it, Vaseline appears to have no effect by it's self as a repellent.
So, what actually works to repel slugs, if vaseline is no good?
Vaseline doesn’t even come close to knocking the Slugstand off the top spot when it comes to barriers against slugs and snails—it’s honestly about as useless as garlic spray and crushed eggshells. Now, I’ve seen quite a few people mixing salt into the Vaseline, which will improve its impassability. But personally, I’m not a fan of any repellents that are water-soluble and just wash away every time it rains—especially when it’s salt, which can damage your soil. (Okay in a sheltered area or in a slugstand as they’re designed for this). Check out the slugstand below by clicking the orange button:
Below is the full video of our experiment, along with where we rank Vaseline compared to other barrier methods for potted plants. If you’re serious about protecting your plants from slugs and snails, we highly recommend checking out the Slugstand—it’s what we use and trust.
Vaseline
Overall Rating: 8 – Very Poor
Impassability:
Rating: Very Poor – 3
I couldn’t see any signs of Vaseline having any effect to deter slugs and snails.
Environmental Impact:
Rating: Poor – 2
Positives: If it’s safe to be used on your lips, it’s probably not too harmful.
Negatives: Oil-based product and isn’t fit for this purpose.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Rating: Very Poor – 1
It’s expensive and doesn’t work.
Maintenance Required:
Rating: Poor – 2
Time-consuming for something that’ll eventually be washed off by rain—and doesn’t work.