Can you use egg shells to make your plants slug proof?
If you’ve ever heard the gardening tip that crushed eggshells can repel slugs, you’re not alone. It’s a widely circulated myth that seems plausible at first glance. The rough texture of the shells is said to deter slugs from crossing them, protecting your plants from these garden invaders. However, after thorough testing, we can confidently say that eggshells are not the slug deterrent they’re often made out to be.
And it’s not just us saying this: “A recent RHS study in a garden-realistic scenario found no reduction in slug damage from barriers made of copper tape, bark mulch, eggshells, sharp grit, or wool pellets (Royal Horticultural Society, 2023).”
Why Eggshells Don’t Work
Through numerous experiments, we’ve observed that slugs and snails don’t find crushed eggshells to be much of a barrier at all. In fact, they often rest directly on the shells, seemingly undeterred by the sharp edges. What’s more, slugs have been seen eating the membrane underneath the shell—a surprising and counterproductive result for gardeners hoping to keep them at bay.
Eggshells simply aren’t abrasive enough to deter these creatures. While they may look like they’d cause discomfort, the slimy mucus that slugs secrete helps them glide over the surface without harm. This means your carefully laid ring of crushed eggshells is more of a decorative feature than an effective barrier.
What Actually Works
At Stop Slugs, we like to divide slug management into three distinct steps and we’ve put all of that information in one comprehensive guide we call 3 steps to slug free, where we also rank barriers and deterrents from best to worst, with egg shells clearly being one of the worst.
Managing the Environment
Providing a Suitable Barrier
For plants planted directly in the ground, a slug fence or collar works best (anything with a 45 degree overhang). For plants in pots or planters, a slugstand is the most effective.Killing Slugs and Snails – generally not reccomended.
The Bottom Line
Eggshells might look like a natural solution, but they won’t keep slugs away from your garden. For the best results, explore other barrier options and combine methods to create a garden that thrives without the relentless munching of slugs and snails by managing the enviroment around your plants.
For more in-depth experiments, reviews, and tips, check out our blog or visit our YouTube channel which is in the footer below. Together, we can find the best solutions for a slug-free garden that’s also kind to the environment.