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Copper tape to keep slugs away from Strawberries

RullahRullah Posts: 54
edited June 2021 in Fruit & veg
Hello I've got a raised bed of Strawberries (raised about 2 ft off the ground) which has a minor slug problem. I was thinking of using some copper tape, as with it being a simple rectangular raised bed it would be very easy for me to have an unbroken, continuous strip all the way around it. 

Before I invest in some, does it actually work? Any positive or negative experiences?
Thanks 
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  • RullahRullah Posts: 54
    Also additional strawberry question, I don't have any straw etc down so a few strawbs are going bad from being in contact with the dirt. I do have an abundance of shredded paper. Could I possibly use this instead of straw? Change them from strawberries to shreddedpaperberries?
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    I've tried everything and only blue pellets, beer traps and manual removal have proven effective over the years.  I won't use the pellets any more, no longer drink, but a late evening visit with a torch works splendidly. :)
    This convinced me copper tape is ineffective.  Simple but scientific:

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Spent a fortune on copper, (I honestly thought that "Policing" the slugs would keep them at bay! Removal here,hubby built frame planter to keep the. Off the ground,we don't use straw with use fine gravel, post picture if required
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Blasted pre empting!!
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    I'm the same as Bob. Blue pellets were the only thing that seemed to work but I have lots of hedgehogs here so they can no longer be used.  Tried everything else and the only thing I do now is nightly scissor sessions.  Snip; grimace; shiver; repeat.
  • RullahRullah Posts: 54
    @BobTheGardener @Nanny Beach @JamesS-B thanks all! Not the answer I was hoping for but best to know in advance rather than wasting money 😭
  • simonwade85k391j38Csimonwade85k391j38C Posts: 1
    edited June 2021
    I’ve been using the copper tape for a few years now, it does work 70% of the time. It deters most slugs and snails however sometimes they do get over. I’m using coffee grounds, slug beer traps, crushed egg shells and copper mesh borders too. The best method is going out at night once you’ve watered and collecting them up. 


  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    No snipping here,they get treated to a saline bath. If copper works 70% then you still have to use egg shells then still collect,then the other methods don't work.Tried them all we have sharp shingle paths round the veg plots,that doesn't stop them. There was one inside my spare room window the other day,it's climbed up the rough brickwork
    .Have just bought some lager,if they only like a specific type of beer I'll drink it! I put beer traps out then filled with rain not snails
  • RullahRullah Posts: 54
    Thanks @simonwade85k391j38C good to hear it can work, I am in Derby and see you are in Nottingham, so maybe the slugs round these ends aren't as tough?? 🤣 I do have an abundance of crushed egg shells that I need to use on something so might try them round the strawberries for starters as I've got nothing to lose 
  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    Another vote for late night patrols here. Collect the Cyrils and dispose of them as you see fit.

    Also, I've grown French marigolds in the strawberry bed for the first time this year. So far, the Cyrils have left the strawberry plants alone and gone for the marigolds instead. So sacrificial planting is working for me :o 
    East Lancs
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