Most of us might not be enjoying the current wet weather, but other creatures in our midst are absolutely loving it.
If you have ventured into your garden lately, you might have noticed an increase in slugs and snails residing there.
Garden experts have confirmed the current weather patterns are encouraging greater slug activity than usual, and the consequences are that garden plants are suffering.
P&J columnist and gardening guru Jim McColl confirmed that while the current weather in the north east certainly suits the tiny creatures, it’s been going on for longer than that.
He said: “The story actually began with the mild winter of 2015/16.
“This meant that more slugs survived, whereas in a harsh winter, many will die off. As soon as temperatures rise above about 5C, these survivors will become active and begin to feed.
“Some even claim that these survivors will be bigger and more voracious, but I think that might be a little over the top. That said, there are always some survivors. I think it is the number that makes this a particularly difficult year for gardeners.”
The Beechgrove Garden stalwart added that, while slugs go for a very wide range of plants, especially young, freshly planted specimens, apparently they turn their noses up at herbaceous perennials such as Euphorbia, Geranium, Foxgloves, Fuchsias and Japanese Anemones.
He said: “The only advice that can be given is to keep a tidy garden, not allowing detritus to build up for them to hide under and be vigilant.
“Baits are not all that successful in rainy weather unless you spread them and immediately cover them to keep them dry, by using things like broken pot shards.
“The slug pub is also still very effective. If you have time on your hands, you can always collect them up and despatch them by dropping them in a bucket of salt water.”