As a nurseryman , nothing is more thwarting than nurturing your plant only to have type slug and snails destruct them overnight These slimy pests can decimate veggie and blossom garden in no time , leaving behind only chewed up leaves and stems . But we do n’t have to lease them take over our concentrated work ! copper color tape is an effective sluggard and snail repellent that can help protect industrial plant without the mess hall and toxicity of traditional lure In this article , I ’ll go over why fuzz tape works , provide fuzz tape recording review , and make recommendation for the good copper tape for keep slugs and snails off .
Why Copper Tape Repels Slugs and Snails
Copper reacts with the slime slugs and snails secrete , giving them a meek galvanic shock that repulse them . Unlike hook , copper tape uses this natural repellent effect so there is no mess , odor , or dead slug and snails to clean up afterwards . It ’s an eco - friendly physical barrier that make plants unattractive to these pest
Copper mag tape can be wrapped around plantation owner edge , garden beds , raft rims , and flora stem to blank out access and prevent slugs and snails from rise up . The width of most copper mag tape means it lays flat and can be well secured . And unlike diatomaceous globe barriers , copper tape wo n’t blow forth and remains good when pissed .
What To Look For In Copper Tape
When choosing pig magnetic tape , here are some central features to calculate for :
Pure copper : Lower quality copper tape contain only copper metal plating which wears off promptly . Pure copper content assure seniority through weather and repeated bullet and snail physical contact .
Good adherence : The adhesive needs to be potent enough to securely contain the tape in place on various surfaces . Waterproof adhesive prevents rise or peeling off .
Flexibility : You require copper tape that ’s pliable enough to mold smoothly around curl surfaces and corners . Tape that ’s too stiff or thick is backbreaking to crop with .
Width : Standard width is 1/2 inch but wide 3/4 inch tape leave all-encompassing works insurance coverage . Narrow 1/4 inch tape works well for modest pots or wrapping frail plant stem .
enduringness : eminent quality copper mag tape can last up to 8 years outdoors . Look for elusive construction that protest corrosion .
Copper Tape Reviews
With so many fuzz mag tape products available , here are reviews of my top picks :
swig Off Professional Copper Tape – With 99.9 % unadulterated copper , this taping has evidence ranking repelling ability . It lays flat and the superfluous strong adhesive prevents any lifting or curling at the edges . The 1/2 inch breadth fits most applications and it flex easily around curves . Overall the good timber and value copper tape .
Corry ’s Slug and Snail Copper Tape – This 3/4 inch wide tape provides maximum plant reportage . The adhesive agent could be a piece stickier but it ’s easy to work with and mold around crapper and planters . The pure copper holds up well alfresco . A solid mid - range option .
Organic Laboratories Copper Tape – For a budget copper tape , this works in good order to repel slug and snail . The thin copper metal plating means durability is lacking but it ’s operational for a season or two . The narrow 1/4 inch breadth restrict its effectiveness for larger spaces .
Slug Shield Copper Barrier Tape – This stain suffers from poor adhesion with the tape detach easily when disturbed . It also does not flex well around corners or curve . Low copper purity and ineffective performance make this a copper tape recording to avoid .
Recommendations for the Best Copper Tape
For keeping slugs and snails away from your prized plant , I recommendSlug Off Professional Copper Tape . Here ’s why :
While a second more expensive upfront , Slug Off tape recording ’s superior lineament and longevity make it worthwhile for effectively immobilize clout and snails season after season . Your plants will thank you !
For covering big spaces , go with the broaderCorry ’s Slug and Snail Copper Tape . It cater maximum plant protection at a reasonable price spot .
When dealing with soft flowers and seedling , wrapping stem withOrganic Laboratories Copper Tape . The thin 1/4 column inch breadth tapeline is perfect for smaller plants . Just expect to supervene upon it every year .
With the right pig tape alternative for your want , you’re able to humanely and effectively keep slugs and snails from destroying all your hard gardening workplace . Protect your plants with a instinctive , eco - well-disposed roadblock . Your garden will thrive slug and snail costless !
Why Does Copper Work?
There are two reasons give for copper working as a slug repellant ; toxicity and galvanizing shock .
Copper can kill or poison many living thing , and some chemicals made from copper are used to scavenge and shoot down live things . It seems to make common sense that copper tape or Cu wire would have the same upshot . If you consider about this for a mo you will agnize this ca n’t act . Most homes in North America expend Cu pipe to surrender water in our homes . If it were toxic – would we be using them ? .
Copper compounds may be toxic , but atomic number 29 metal is not .
The green patina develop on pig metal over clock time is a copper carbonate salinity and could be toxic .
According to the second title , slog guck connects with copper and break the bullet a modest electric shock . This is unpleasant and slugs stay off the atomic number 29 .
I have not been able to find any scientific character showing that this is lawful . It is just repeated M of time . So countenance ’s apply some logic . you could make a simple barrage fire by slip in copper telegram and a galvanized nail into a lemon . This will produce a small flow that is measurable . You need 3 important constituent to make this work ; two electrodes of different metal , and an electrolyte – the succus in the lemon . If you want to seea lemon yellow battery in military action have a flavor at this video .
For snails , cop and slug slime , which is an electrolyte , are present . The second electrode is miss . Also missing is the connection between the two electrode which allows the stream to flow . I do n’t trust that position gunk onto pig will produce an electric accusation .
Does Copper Repel Slugs?
Let ’s look at some video grounds .
Copper pennies and telegram do not seem to work . Most mathematical product on the grocery store are a case of copper enhancer or copper tape recording so this might work better and in fact some masses suggest that a broad strip is better than a narrow strip . Source : atomic number 29 Tape vs slug
That seemed to ferment quite well . But what about this picture ?
Maybe some bullet detest fuzz more than others .
And this one :
Copper Mesh – Slug & Snail Defence and Rodent Exclusion, from Agile Home and Garden
FAQ
How thick-skulled does copper color tape measure need to be to deter bullet ?
Does copper telegram really discourage slugs ?
What is the good barrier for slugs ?
