For decades, plagued gardeners have observed that hordes of snails are destroying ornamental and useful plants. Moss, on the other hand, ignores the slimy pests. Researchers have discovered that mosses contain ingredients that have an anti-feeding effect. We would be happy to explain to you how you can use this knowledge to ward off slugs.
How can you use moss against snails?
Moss can be used effectively against snails because it contains ingredients such as oxylipins, which have an anti-feeding effect. Liverwort extract at a dosage of 5 ml per liter of water can be sprayed on plants to repel snails without killing them.
Clever defense strategy replaces thorns, bark and poisons
As tiny, rootless spore plants, mosses had to think of ways to keep predators at bay. Since the green land plants cannot defend themselves from an attack with sharp thorns, thick bark or poisonous sap, they have discovered the effectiveness of oxylipins. If this scent alone reaches an approaching snail's nose, it will lose its appetite.
With liverwort extract against snails – this is how it works
Field tests have shown that liverwort contains high concentrations of feed-inhibiting substances. When combined with alcohol, it creates an effective extract that drives away snails without killing them. The effectiveness is comparable to the toxic slug pellets that have previously been used in home gardens - out of necessity and with a guilty conscience. This is how liverwort extract unfolds its effect in ornamental and kitchen gardens:
- Test the effectiveness starting with a dosage of 5 ml per liter of water
- If necessary, dose the natural product higher until snails leave the plants
- Spray the plant to be protected dripping wet with the liverwort solution in the evening or early morning
Liverwort extract can also be sprayed on as a preventive measure to protect your plants from fungal infections. Organic gardeners report good experiences against powdery mildew, black mold, gray mold or curly diseases.
Tip
Moss not only provides effective assistance in the fight against voracious snails, but also filters pollutants from the air. Various types of moss bind heavy metals, fine dust or even ammonia from car exhaust fumes. Peat mosses form peat, which absorbs an estimated 400 billion tons of carbon worldwide. Such an amount of fuel gas would be capable of increasing the temperature on Earth, with catastrophic consequences for flora and fauna.
