Germany promotes DIY methods to combat garden snails and house ants

Home gardeners in Germany are encouraged to use simple, environmentally friendly remedies to deter garden snails. Suggested tactics include setting up lettuce traps, spreading used coffee grounds around plants, and applying oatmeal as a barrier, all of which avoid the use of chemical snail bait.

In parallel, German pest experts warn that certain ant species, notably the red‑backed house ant and the brown trail ant (Lasius brunneus), can cause serious structural damage to homes. These ants nest in damp or already weakened wood, infiltrate insulation and plasterboard, and may go unnoticed until large swarms emerge in spring. Early detection and removal are essential to prevent costly repairs.