should copper rings be fitted to an insulator before use to deter slugs

[nemo]

hello all
i make rings out of old copper water tanks, copper holds a small electrical charge the slugs will avoid this. i cut the copper into 2 inch strips then fix the copper strips to plastic water pipes usually 8-10 inch in diameter and again 2 inch high . i fix the copper about half way up the plastic pipe ,the plastic pipe will touching the soil this makes the copper rings act similar to the electrical wire around the paddocks to keep in cattle . slugs rarely cross over the rings. i have often seen copper rings for sale but i believe that the electrical charge would dissipate as the copper would be sitting on the soil. what do you think.regards from ireland

[davefromthechipie]

hello all
i make rings out of old copper water tanks, copper holds a small electrical charge the slugs will avoid this. i cut the copper into 2 inch strips then fix the copper strips to plastic water pipes usually 8-10 inch in diameter and again 2 inch high . i fix the copper about half way up the plastic pipe ,the plastic pipe will touching the soil this makes the copper rings act similar to the electrical wire around the paddocks to keep in cattle . slugs rarely cross over the rings. i have often seen copper rings for sale but i believe that the electrical charge would dissipate as the copper would be sitting on the soil. what do you think. should i get a patent on my copper rings or am i barking mad
regards from ireland

You can already buy copper strips from all good garden centers Never seen the rings for sale on there own but im pritty sure people just bend the already inshop strips around there plants/pots ie making a ring (copper works laying on the ground too. Its a chemical reaction nothing like a elec fence) . Id forget about the patent on it cost loads to getting a world wide one + never post your designs/idea on the net im sure your come up with a good one soon

[TonyF]

I use the copper tape on my terrace pots and it seems to work a treat. I have no idea about the science involved in the process but it certainly keeps the little varmints out of my hostas.

[Snadger]

Copper is a good fungicide and algaeiside also.

If you stretch a length of copper wire across the top of your polytunnel it will stop green algae forming on the polythene as the small ammount of copper washed off when it rains kills it!

I see where you're coming from with your theory , and it sounds plausible but have you done any testing?

A belated welcome to the the vine anyway nemo and good luck with your inventing!

[nemo]

to davefromthechipie
this is a section from an Irish seed catalogue (Welcome to The Organic Centre | The Organic Centre ) last year the were selling copper rings . i also saw them for sale in a few English catalogues

slug control
• Slug and Snail Shocker: A roll of ground cover fabric coated with copper which slugs and snails do not like to cross. It apparently gives them a shock similar to when tin foil makes contact with an amalgam tooth filling!!
- Standard roll: 1.5m x 0.30m. SHOCK1 €8.90
- Large roll: 4mx 0.30m. SHOCK2 €14.00

the next time you are using your digital electrical multimeter test to see the current that a piece of copper holds it is a small amount granted but you will see it is there. this is what they say repels slugs.some slug pellets do contain elements of copper which ultimately kills slugs
regards nemo

[davefromthechipie]

to davefromthechipie
this is a section from an Irish seed catalogue (Welcome to The Organic Centre | The Organic Centre ) last year the were selling copper rings . i also saw them for sale in a few English catalogues

slug control
• Slug and Snail Shocker: A roll of ground cover fabric coated with copper which slugs and snails do not like to cross. It apparently gives them a shock similar to when tin foil makes contact with an amalgam tooth filling!!
- Standard roll: 1.5m x 0.30m. SHOCK1 €8.90
- Large roll: 4mx 0.30m. SHOCK2 €14.00

the next time you are using your digital electrical multimeter test to see the current that a piece of copper holds it is a small amount granted but you will see it is there. this is what they say repels slugs.some slug pellets do contain elements of copper which ultimately kills slugs
regards nemo

I can understand what your mean But i dont think it works that way ie like an electric fence . This maybe a silly example but put tin foil in your mouth and chuw . will shock you . Then earth the foil and try again / it will still shock you .I dont know the science behide it But its somthing to do with what the slug gives out that reacts with the copper itsself , isolated from earth wont make any difference. As for the mats yes thats a good idea as it covers more area , Dont know if anyones worked out yet how much of a shock it gives slugs . I know some of the buggers brave it