Why solid copper rings really work against slugs and snails (and why they’re worth the investment)

Here’s the heart of it: when a slug or snail tries to cross copper, we believe it creates a tiny electric charge — a bit like a mild static shock. Their slime (which is slightly ionic and moist) reacts with the copper metal in a way that’s uncomfortable for them. It doesn’t electrocute them (thankfully — we don’t need to be that dramatic!), but it feels unpleasant enough that they back off.

Why solid copper rings (rather than copper tape) are a good bet:

1. Durability — Copper tape can peel, degrade or get clogged with dirt, making it less effective over time. Solid rings, on the other hand, last for years. You just need to wipe them clean occasionally to keep that copper surface active.

2. No gaps — Rings give you a continuous, unbroken barrier around an individual plant. No weak spots = no sneaky slug shortcuts.

3. Reusable — Move them around the garden from plant to plant as needed. It’s a bit of a one-time cost but you’ll get mileage out of them.

4. Eco-friendly — No chemicals, no mess, no harm to soil or wildlife. Perfect for organic growers or wildlife-friendly gardeners.

5. Can be used in the flowerbeds - no need to be adding tape to slug collars, these are ready tonise directly in the soil 

6. Can be used BENEATH the pots - stop the slugs and snails getting in at all by raising pots up on a copper Slugring. 

 

How to use them practically (this is key — you don’t want to waste money with sloppy placement)

Place the ring before slugs get to the plant — prevention is easier than eviction.

Make sure no leaves are touching the soil outside the ring (they’ll use them like bridges).

Push the ring slightly into the soil (about 1 cm) to stop slugs burrowing underneath.

Clean the copper ring with a rough cloth every so often — muddy surfaces or copper with a heavy build up of minerals on it don’t work as well.

When copper rings might not be enough on their own (let’s be real here)

If the soil is already packed with slug eggs or you have a heavy infestation, rings alone won’t clear them — but they’ll protect new or young plants beautifully while you tackle the wider problem with other methods (like nematodes or slug patrols).

Bottom line? Solid copper rings are one of the few barrier methods that are proven, long-lasting and low-effort — especially around vulnerable veg like lettuce, young brassicas, strawberries, and hostas (those poor, nibbled hostas!).

If you want, I can recommend what size of ring works best for different plants or pots — just say the word. Are you looking to protect a veg bed, some pots, or a flower border? Let’s make a plan!