If you’ve ever turned on the lights at night only to find slimy trails or even a slug slowly making its way across your floor, you’re not alone. Many UK homeowners deal with slugs invading their homes, especially at night.

While slugs are harmless to humans, their unwelcome presence can indicate other issues, such as dampness or gaps in your home’s structure.

In this guide, I’ll help you answer why are slugs coming in my house at night, how to get rid of them using natural remedies, and how to stop them from coming back for good.

Why Are Slugs Coming in My House at Night?

Before you can effectively get rid of slugs, it’s important to understand why they’re invading your space. Slugs don’t enter houses randomly—they are drawn to specific environmental conditions and entry points that you may not even notice.

What Attracts Slugs to Your Home?

Slugs are attracted to damp, dark, and cool environments, which makes certain parts of your home perfect for them. Here’s what might be drawing them in:

• Food sources: Leftover crumbs, pet food, or organic matter can attract slugs.
• Moisture: Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or other damp areas provide the perfect environment for slugs to thrive.
• Entry points: Slugs can squeeze through tiny gaps under doors, around pipes, or through vents.

Is Dampness in the House the Culprit?

Yes, slugs are strongly linked to damp environments, which is why their presence often suggests you may have a moisture issue in your home. Here’s how to identify damp areas:

• Look for condensation on windows or walls.
• Check for mould growth or a musty smell in certain rooms.
• Inspect the walls and floors for water stains or soft spots.

If you spot signs of dampness, addressing this issue can help make your home less appealing to slugs.

Why Do Slugs Appear at Night?

Slugs are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active at night when the environment is cooler and more humid.

During the day, they hide in dark and damp spaces like under furniture, behind appliances, or even under floorboards. At night, they come out to search for food, leaving behind slimy trails that you might notice the next morning.

How to Get Rid of Slugs in the House Naturally?

If you’re looking for eco-friendly ways to handle the problem, you’re in luck. There are several natural remedies to keep slugs out of your home without resorting to harsh chemicals.

1. Seal Entry Points to Stop Slugs

The first step in getting rid of slugs is to block their access to your home. Slugs can squeeze through the tiniest gaps, so it’s essential to identify and seal these entry points.

Steps to seal entry points:

1. Inspect doorways, window frames, and any cracks in walls or skirting boards.
2. Use caulk to fill in cracks and gaps.
3. Apply weatherstripping under doors to close off larger gaps.
4. Install mesh screens on vents and drains to stop slugs from crawling in.

2. Use Natural Slug Deterrents

There are several natural substances that slugs hate. Here are some effective remedies:

• Salt: Create a salt barrier around entry points, but avoid using too much indoors as salt can damage surfaces.
• Copper tape: Slugs dislike copper because it gives them a mild electric shock when they touch it. Stick copper tape around door frames or other entry points.
• Eggshells or coffee grounds: Spread crushed eggshells or used coffee grounds near entry points. The texture is unpleasant for slugs, deterring them from crossing.

3. Create Slug Traps

Another effective way to deal with slugs is to trap them. Here’s how:

• Beer traps: Bury a shallow container (like a jar lid) in the ground and fill it with beer. Slugs are attracted to the smell, fall in, and drown.
• Grapefruit traps: Place an empty grapefruit half upside down in your home. Slugs are drawn to the scent and will gather underneath it overnight. The next morning, you can remove and relocate the slugs.

How to Kill Slugs in the House?

Sometimes, getting rid of slugs may involve killing them. Here are some humane yet effective ways to handle them.

1. Use Salt to Kill Slugs (with Caution)

Salt is one of the most well-known methods for killing slugs, as it dehydrates them upon contact. However, this should only be used as a last resort indoors, as excessive salt can damage your floors or carpets. Sprinkle a small amount directly on the slug or use it sparingly around damp areas.

2. Use Natural Slug Killers

If you don’t want to use salt, there are other natural ways to kill slugs:

• Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder is made from fossilized algae and is abrasive to slugs. Sprinkle it near entry points or on damp surfaces.
• Homemade slug sprays: Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray slugs directly. This kills them instantly and is safe to use indoors.

Can Chemicals Be Used Indoors?

While there are slug pellets and chemical solutions available, they’re not ideal for indoor use. These products can be toxic to pets and children. If you choose to use them, ensure they are placed in areas inaccessible to others.

How to Prevent Slugs from Coming Back?

Prevention is key to ensuring that slugs don’t return. Here are some practical tips:

Keep Your Home Dry and Ventilated

Slugs thrive in damp environments, so reducing moisture levels in your home is essential.

• Use dehumidifiers to keep the air dry.
• Fix leaks in pipes, taps, or roofs.
• Improve ventilation in areas prone to dampness, like bathrooms and basements.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Slugs are often drawn to food and organic matter. Keep your home clean by:

• Sweeping or vacuuming floors daily.
• Storing food in sealed containers.
• Cleaning pet food dishes and spills immediately.

Use Physical Barriers Outside Your Home

To stop slugs from even reaching your house, consider setting up physical barriers:

• Spread gravel, sharp sand, or diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home.
• Place copper tape or mesh around outdoor pipes and garden areas.

Do Slugs in the House Mean Damp?

Yes, finding slugs in your house is often a sign of damp problems. Slugs are attracted to moisture, so their presence could indicate condensation, leaking pipes, or poor ventilation.

Fixing dampness not only helps prevent slugs but also protects your home from further damage, such as mould or structural decay.

Conclusion

Slugs coming into your house at night can be frustrating, but the good news is that it’s a fixable problem. By understanding why slugs are attracted to your home, addressing dampness, sealing entry points, and using natural remedies, you can effectively keep slugs out.

Remember, prevention is just as important as removal—take proactive steps to create an environment that slugs simply can’t tolerate.

FAQs About Slugs in the House

1. How do slugs get inside my house?

Slugs can enter through tiny gaps, cracks, or under doors. They’re especially drawn to damp areas and food.

2. Are slugs dangerous to humans or pets?

No, slugs are not dangerous. However, they can carry parasites, so avoid direct contact.

3. Why do slugs leave slime trails, and how can I clean them?

Slime trails help slugs move and protect their bodies. Clean them using a mix of warm water and vinegar.

4. Can slugs damage furniture or walls?

While they don’t chew through furniture or walls, their slime can stain surfaces if not cleaned promptly.

5. What should I do if I find slugs in my kitchen or bathroom?

Follow the steps to seal entry points, reduce moisture, and use natural deterrents to remove them.