Death (hibernation) of ground dwelling bugs

[Paul_Davies]

Hey folks,
So the weather and temperatures are on the change right now as we head into autumn. I'm starting to wonder how cold does it need to be before one can have a slug & spider- free nights sleep on the ground?

 

[Broch]

I just use a natural insect repellent (such as the Life Systems Natural or a myrtle based one) and that keeps the slugs and spiders off all year.

Unfortunately, with these warm wet winters we've been getting, you can get slugs out any night as long as there's not a frost in my experience.

 

[Toddy]

Pretty much agree with what Broch has said. It needs to be hard cold to stop the slugs and snails, and if you disturb the leaf litter, and warm it in any way, you'll disturb everything from woodlice to spiders.

Joys of a temperate climate

 

[Paul_Davies]

Thanks for the replies! I'm not a pansy. Honest! I just get sick of washing slug trails off my goretex bivvy lol

 

[Paul_Davies]

Will give the suggestions a go. I imagine in theory a large mossy net attached to the ridgeline above could keep them pesky slugs at bay too