Make slugs disappear like 'magic' if they smell spray that they 'simply hate'

Slugs can wreak havoc on plants and ruin a whole year's worth of work in the garden overnight, but there is a simple way to deal with them by using one natural ingredient

As the autumn rain sets in, green-fingered Brits are facing a slimy invasion in their gardens.

Slugs, thriving in the damp conditions, pose a threat to your lovingly tended plants. But fear not, Jessy Edgar from Sprouts of Bristol has come to the rescue with a top tip that's both eco-friendly and effective. She advises: "We wanted to share our recipe for garlic spray that slugs and snails simply hate. Garlic contains Allicin, a compound that repels slugs and snails. By using this garlic spray on our plants, we should therefore protect the young shoots and until-now tasty plants."

And the best part? "Like magic, they've become something the slugs and snails can't stand! Plus the spray isn't harmful to humans, pets or other wildlife so it's a great choice for the wildlife-conscious gardener." The secret weapon, Allicin, is a sulfur-based compound found in garlic that not only repels these pests but also hampers their slime production, making it tough for them to get around.

Jessy adds a crucial piece of advice for the method to be foolproof: "The one disclaimer is that the garlic spray will not work unless you apply it regularly. Think like clockwork: apply once a week, and again after heavy rains. We would recommend applying the wash in the evenings."

Are you struggling with slugs in your garden? Fret not, for Jessy's got a nifty natural solution to keep those slimy critters at bay without harming the environment. To make this magic potion, forget about peeling or chopping, reports the Express. Put whole garlic cloves into a saucepan of water and bring it to a boil.

Once the garlic turns soft after about 15 minutes, mash it up good and proper, unleashing all its garlicky juices. Next, strain the bits out and leave the cloudy juice to cool. Transfer this potent concoction to a spray bottle when it's cooled down. Before defending your dear daffodils, dilute the mix – about two tablespoons per five litres should do it – then arm yourself with a watering can. Douse the leaves and soil beneath with your homemade mixture regularly (once a week from February to October) to safeguard your greens.

But if the skies open up more often, those pesky pests demand extra attention. Jessy recommends: "Spray or water over your plants once a week February-October. Make sure to saturate the leaves and soil beneath" and "More frequent applications will be needed in wet weather. We would recommend applying an extra round of garlic spray after heavy rain."

This tip is bound to keep your autumnal harvest happy and intact.