How to Make a Beer Trap for Killing Slugs and Snails

The beer in a beer trap attracts slugs.

Slugs and snails can be a major problem for any gardener and can damage plants if left unchecked. You can reduce their numbers by trapping the slugs, taking advantage of their attraction to yeasty foods such as beer.

Things You'll Need

• Cup
• Trowel
• Beer
• Toilet roll tube
• Saucer

Instructions

1. Identify an area where snails and slugs are a problem, such as around newly planted green plants. A good way to track activity of slugs and snails is an abundance of slime trails in the area.

2. Dig a hole in the ground the size of a plastic cup, such that the lip of the cup rests slightly higher then the soil level. Press the soil around the edges of the cup. Fill the cup with beer about halfway.

3. Cut an empty toilet roll tube and into quarters and place the pieces around the cup. Place a saucer on top of the toilet roll pieces, creating a shelter for the top of the cup. Leave the trap overnight.

4. Check the trap in the morning for dead slugs and snails. Discard them in the trash. The trap works because slugs and snails love the taste of beer and will start drinking it, having crawled inside the cup. They make themselves too drunk to grip the side of the cup and fall into the beer, drowning in the process.

References

• University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Slugs and Snails
• Oregon State University Scholar's Archive: Protecting Your Plants from Dreaded Slugs
• The Ohio State University Extension: Slug Life Cycle and Damage Potential Studies in Ohio