How to stop slugs from coming into the house: Pest control experts share tips to prevent slimy intruders

The last thing anyone wants in their home is slimy slugs, but unfortunately they do sometimes come in from the garden, and it's not always because you have a damp home.

A garden full of slugs is frustrating, but nothing compared to the horror of finding trails of slug mucus on your floors or furniture indoors. And although it's not something that happens too often, thankfully, it's not completely out of the ordinary, and there are ways to stop them from entering your home at all.

While you can attract birds to help with a slug problem in outdoor spaces, our team of pest control experts have shared their effective yet harmless tips and tricks to stop the unwanted intruders from coming anywhere near your house.

How to stop slugs from coming into the house: expert advice

It's no shock to find slugs in your garden when you're sorting it out, but it's quite something else when you spot one in your home. Luckily, there are many ways to keep them away, and understanding why they're there in the first place can also stop them from returning.

1. Keep entryways clear of plant life

Knowing how to get rid of weeds is more than aesthetically pleasing for your garden; it's an important task to deter slugs, especially around your home's entryways.

"The key to keeping slugs out is to prevent them from reaching your home in the first place. Start by clearing weeds, leaves and garden debris away from doors, windows and other access points, as these provide food, moisture and shelter," says Daniel Steward, Managing Director at Shield Pest Control.

2. Seal any entry points

Similar to keeping mice out of your home, ensuring even the smallest gaps are sealed can make all the difference. "Inspect the exterior of your property for potential entry points. Slugs can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, so seal cracks and openings around windows, doors and vents with a suitable silicone sealant," suggests Daniel.

This will also help stop spiders coming into your home, which is also an increasing issue once the colder weather arrives.

3. Try copper tape

If you've been on top of your summer gardening jobs this year, you've probably heard of copper tape, as it's a great addition to your pots to deter slugs and snails from eating your plants.

"Copper tape applied along door thresholds and window sills works well as a deterrent, as the copper creates a mild reaction with the slug's mucus that they actively avoid," recommends Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner, EcoCare Pest Management.

You can pick up some copper foil tape from Amazon for around £7.99.

4. Set up a harmless sugar trap

Homemade traps are a great way to stop pests in your home, and many are harmless, allowing you to release pests away from your home without damaging the ecosystem.

"If slugs are already getting indoors, look for them in secluded areas such as underneath sinks and behind furniture. A simple sugary liquid trap can help draw them out so they can be caught and released outside, away from the property," explains Daniel.

In the garden, you can use horticultural wool as another natural deterrent for slugs so they don't chomp away at your veggies and favourite leafy additions.

Why am I getting slugs in my house?

Before you start panic-deep cleaning your home and wonder if you've not been keeping up with your daily cleaning habits, there are many reasons slugs may be entering your home.

"There are several reasons you might suddenly start noticing slugs indoors. Your home may simply be providing an easy route from the garden, particularly if there is debris close to the building," says Daniel.

"Slugs are nocturnal and tend to seek out cool, sheltered places during the day. This means they can enter unnoticed and hide away before appearing indoors later on," he adds.

"Weather can also play a part. Wet conditions create the moist environment slugs need to move around, which can increase their activity around homes and make it more likely that they find their way inside," continues Daniel.

Keeping your best dehumidifier running can help battle the damp conditions your home might have during winter. This won't just keep unwanted pests away but also that dreaded mould growth too.

Do slugs lay eggs in the house?

The last thing you want to think of when making your home feel cosy for the colder months is the chance that slug eggs are being laid in your space. Unfortunately, that is a possibility, but one you can definitely put a stop to.

"Slugs can lay eggs indoors, but they need a suitably moist and sheltered environment to do so. A consistently dry, exposed area is unlikely to be attractive to them," starts Daniel.

"If you are concerned about eggs, look in secluded, damp locations such as underneath sinks, behind appliances or in other undisturbed areas. However, finding an individual slug indoors does not automatically mean that you have an established infestation or that eggs have been laid," he adds.

"The most effective approach is to identify how the slugs are getting inside and remove the conditions that could allow them to remain there," points out Daniel.

Prevention is always the best solution, and it means you never have to come across a pretty gross sighting of slug eggs in your beloved home.

Do slugs in a house mean damp?

Reducing humidity in your home during winter is important; however, spotting slugs does not automatically mean your home is damp.

"Not necessarily, but it is worth investigating. Slugs are attracted to moisture, so a persistent slug problem indoors can sometimes be an indicator of a damp issue, particularly if they are congregating in one area of the property," explains Mosh.

"Check for condensation, water ingress around window frames and pipes, and any areas of soft or discoloured plaster. If slugs are appearing in the same spot repeatedly, follow that thread. However, many slug ingress issues are simply down to accessible entry points rather than a damp problem in the fabric of the building," he adds.

It's helpful to check any particularly damp spots regularly; that way, you can catch any issues early and hopefully prevent slugs from ever becoming a problem.

If you're worried about these small pests entering your home throughout autumn and winter, then trying some of the best decluttering methods to keep your space clear and tidy is highly recommended.