Banish slugs for good using a 50p drink you may already have in the fridge – it works on wasps too

The Sun

22-05-2025

THERE'S nothing better than sitting outside in your garden on a hot summer day.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of pesky bugs to ruin it for you.
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Fortunately, a gardening expert has shared a simple hack to keep wasps away while you enjoy an al fresco dinner and stop slugs destroying your plants.
While many gardeners reach for harsh chemicals to get pest problems under control, they can also harm the garden.
However, there's a super simple solution that you probably already have in your fridge.
With a common drink we all love in summer, you can lure and eliminate these annoying garden pests.
Experts at Gardening Know How revealed that using cola can banish slugs from your garden for good.
They said: "Apparently, using Coke in the garden is nothing new to some folks.
"Some people poison their slugs, and some drive them to drink by luring them with beer. Just fill a low bowl with Coke and set it in the garden overnight."
The cola trap works as the sugar attracts pests to it while the acid from the drink kills them.
Slugs often come out to eat during the night, so keeping the trap out will keep your plants safe.
According to the experts at Gardening Know How, this method can also get rid of pesky wasps.
They added: "Since cola is attractive to slugs, it stands to reason that it might be enticing to other insects.
"Seems this is true, and you can build a cola wasp trap much the same way that you did for your slug trap. Again, just fill a low bowl or cup with cola, or even just set the whole open can out."
Wasps are also addicted to the sweet drink and once in the can or bowl will drown in the acid.
The expert continued: "There are additional reports of coke being the death of other insects, such as cockroaches and ants.
"In these cases, you spray the bugs with Coke. In India, farmers are said to use coke as a pesticide.
"Apparently, it is cheaper than commercial pesticides. The company denies there is anything in the beverage that could be construed as useful as a pesticide, however."
You can pick up a 2 litre bottle of Cola from Tesco for just 49p.
IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.