How to get rid of moss, slugs, and ants?

Question

In my "garden" that I'm creating there is loads of moss on the wall, and LOADS of ants all over the concrete. Really, it's not a garden, its a small space with concrete floor that I'm going to start planting things in pots in. Today I just went down, and there are all slug/snail trails over the place. The garden is completely empty, but there is a gate that leads to someone elses much larger garden. So I need to know how to get rid of all the ants (repellant?), the moss on the wall because it looks damn ugly, and the tedious slugs and snails that are inviting themselves into my garden.

Thanks.

Also it doesn't matter if it prevents things from growing as its only on the concrete and brickwork.

Thanks for all the replies but I'd much rather prevent them coming in the garden than have to keep killing the poor slugs (don't want to make a habit of murder). I've thought maybe something at every possible entry to stop them getting in, maybe one of those copper things, or if someone can provide more information on the stuff that cuts them as they try 'n' walk.

Just to let people know I can get access to the other garden I can just ask the neighbour, she's old and she likes me because I always fix her computer.

Answer 1

I would suggest you step back and look at the overall picture. The neighbor is the least of your problems! Moss on the walls along with insects equals a lack of sun and a large amount of moisture.
Since it is a small space you should use above ground planters (pots, boxes, etc.). If you are in the south the moss may be the result of shade and humidity. You can kill the current, however, it will return. A simple spray of 1tblsp per gallon of Clorox per gallon of water on the moss will kill the existing. Using a Putty Knife to remove the dead material after two weeks and another spray will help in keeping the problem under control.
If you are going to use above ground planters I would suggest finding some redwood lined or built planters. This will reduce some of the pest you describe. Since the surface is concrete some would suggest spreading Boric Acid over the surface. If you are not opposed to chemicals, find a granular Sevin and spread this on all surfaces (concrete, turf, beds, etc.). This will control the insect population.
Given the nature of your problem I would believe that you need to intially install the planters with annual shade plantings.
This will reduce the cost by allowing the chemicals/compounds to work as opposed to buying expensive perennials or shrubs. Do Not Plant any Bulb plants until you have the Slug/Worm problem under control.
If I knew your area I could suggest plantings. The Planters should be placed above the concrete surface using a decorative brick. This will allow for proper drainage and be another deterent for the slugs and snails.
Take baby-steps on this project. Recognize the area you are undertaking, deal with the already visable problems, then proceed. Spend the monies you have on elimination then development. Your neighbors may even be willing to prune their shrubs and trees to allow for more sunlight to effect your property (reduces the moss).
There are great shade plantings available in all areas. Most are available as insect and pest free, thus, little more than the Sevin for usage. If you are in a high humidity area consider a fan installation for your small patio and garden.
Good Luck. I am at [e-mail]

Answer 2

Scrape the moss off the wall with a spade. Put it in a plastic bin liner and after 6 months it will have turned into compost for your pots. A little bit of moss gives it a rustic look. If you really want a chemical cure, you can buy moss killer at the garden centre.

There's no "organic" solution with slugs and snails. Use blue slug pellets and kill the lot. You have to use them regularly because more slugs will move in from next door.

Ants are a more difficult problem. You have to destroy the colonies and they are next door. You could try a borax based solution (such as Nippon Japanese ant killer). The ants take this back to the colony and eventually it kills the queen - takes about a year though.

Answer 3

Slugs don't like to touch copper. You can buy copper strips in garden centres, rid the area of slugs put the copper strips around the edges.

Before you clean the moss off have you checked the condition of the wall underneath? It might be dreadful and look worse once the moss has gone.

Nippon powder for the ants, it will take a little while to destroy the entire nest but it does work.

Answer 4

Right - jetwash the moss off the stones (did mine the other day and very effective) If you jetwash the concrete floor as well that will upset the ants too! Added bonus! Otherwise Nippon does a gel thing you put down and they hate that.

Slug pellets for the slugs - but be aware that they actually come in greater numbers for the food - but at least they are dead ones!

If you start planting, put sharp sand on top of pots and grease the outside edges cos the slimey little whatsits will get in them!

Answer 5

Moss, scrub with bleach. (wear old clothes) Snails, remove all their hiding places, like old wood and stones, dark and damp areas in the garden. Remove as many as possible by hand and take them to your nearest green space! Put down slug pellets or glasses buried level in the earth filled with beer. Ants don't like boiling water or ant powder.

Answer 6

You dig out the moss with a garden trowel. You put down slug pellets to kill slugs. You put down nippon ant powder to kill ants.

Answer 7

Use Jayes fluid for the moss
slug pellets for the slugs and ant powder containing BHC dust for the ants. start planting straight away.
Good luck.

Answer 8

Pour salt or vinegar on soft-bodied pests--it'll dry them right up! I'm not sure how to prevent more except to put out sharp things that will cut their bodies when they slide over them.

I think it's a bay leaf or lemon juice for ants?? You'll have to wait for better responders on ants or look it up.

Answer 9

you can cut a little bucket out and put some a beer or two in it and set it out in the garden , maybe bury it a little so the slugs will climb in and get drunk and they cant get out, for some reason they love beer

Answer 10

use salt water on the slugs and the snail - thats what my mom and my aunt( and everybody else I know uses)
they look for slugs at night( that when they come out I guess) and pour the salt water on it . I dunno much about gardeing but the salt kills the slug-snail.