Slugs Climbing Up The Wall – Why Do They Do It And How To Stop Them

Slugs climbing up walls is a common phenomenon that many homeowners experience. While it may seem bizarre, there are several reasons slugs exhibit this peculiar behavior.

Why Do Slugs Climb Walls?

Slug are not actually trying to get inside your home when they crawl up exterior walls Here are the main theories behind this behavior

• Seeking Cool Conditions – Slugs thrive in cool, moist environments. During hot, dry weather, slugs may climb walls to find cooler conditions. The north side of homes tends to stay cooler than other exposures.

• Evading Predators – Slugs have many natural predators like birds, rats, and beetles. Climbing vertical surfaces may allow slugs to get away from threats on the ground. If a bird tries to grab them on a wall, they have a chance of dropping down unharmed.

• Finding Shelter – Slugs seem to climb walls most often at night or on cloudy days. Without the sun beating down, a wall may provide a shady spot for slugs to rest safely during the day.

• Dying Behavior – One theory is that when they want to rest climbing up a vertical surface gets them away from predators like rodents and some beetles that might attack them on the ground. If birds come for them, they may well dislodge the snail without getting hold of it, and it drops into vegetation below and evades capture.

So in most cases, slugs climbing exterior walls are not trying to invade but simply acting on natural slug behavior and instincts.

Problems With Slugs On Walls

While slugs themselves may not pose a major threat, their wall-climbing habits can cause some issues:

• They leave behind sticky, silver slime trails that can be difficult to clean. This slime can also attract dirt, leading to stains and discoloration on walls.

• Large numbers of slugs congregating on walls can damage paint, plaster, wood siding, and other exterior materials.

• Slug slime provides a pathway for mold, algae, and other microorganisms to start growing on walls and roofs.

• Slugs could potentially find ways to squeeze through cracks and crevices, making it into attics, basements, or living spaces. Their slime trails inside can transfer dirt and bacteria around the home.

For these reasons, it’s recommended to discourage slugs from climbing exterior walls whenever possible.

Deterring Slugs From Climbing Walls

Here are some effective tips to stop slugs climbing up walls:

• Remove Hiding Spots – Eliminate ivy, shrubs, woodpiles, and debris close to the house that provide shelter for slugs during the day.

• Seal Entry Points – Use caulk or sealant to close off any small gaps or cracks slugs could use to get inside. Pay special attention around windows, doors, and openings.

• Limit Moisture – Water lawn and garden areas away from the house foundation. Fix any irrigation leaks. Improving drainage along the foundation can also make the area less hospitable to slugs.

• Remove Slime – Frequently clean slime trails off walls to discourage slugs from returning to the same spots. A solution of vinegar and water works well to dissolve slime.

• Use Barriers – Copper tape applied to a wall emits a tiny electrical charge when slugs cross over it, startling them. Diatomaceous earth sprinkled near walls will also deter slugs.

• Encourage Predators – Attract slug predators like frogs, snakes, or birds with proper habitat. Strategically placed bird houses near walls gives birds quick access to feed on slugs.

• Manual Removal – Go outside at night with a flashlight and hand pick any slugs on walls. Drop them into a container of soapy water to finish them off.

With persistence using one or a combination of these methods, you can successfully train slugs to stop climbing exterior walls. Always take the direct action of removing slugs manually when found on walls to reinforce deterrents. Following these best practices will have your home’s walls slime and slug free.