Nick Byford wrote:
We have the same problem and I'm afraid that we have tried nematodes,
eggshells and just about every other old wives tail to deter the buggers,
with little or no success. We too use pellets that contain deterrents for
animals and since we have no kids, it's not so much of a problem.

They are the only chemical treatments we use on the garden.

The dropping in a field idea sounds good, but believe it or not, I have
heard that snails and slugs have an excellent sense of direction and can
find their way back.

Thanks, Nick.

I love the pictures of your birds on your site! Your photo of a jay is
beautiful, almost like a painting. We have much the same variety here.

Disappointed to hear that the old wives' tails have all been tried by
yourselves and found to work poorly. It was a book of such tails that
spurred my question. A neighbour gave it to me. (She disapproves of
our using the "chemical" pellets - although everything consists of
chemicals.)

I am beginning to think that the artful use of these pellets that
degrade into nutrients is the answer. I am finding it is better to
sprinkle them amongst the hiding places rather than close around the
plants you want to protect. Rock walls and dank corners seem to
harbour the buggers the most.

Re. their sense of direction . . . I will certainly start walking
further!

Ellie.