Gardeners have been warned about an epidemic of four times the usual amount of slugs which are set to ooze their way into British gardens. But what's the best deterrent for the slimy creatures?

Pellets are the traditional way of ridding your yard of slugs, but coffee has also proven to be spectacularly effective. Simply sprinkle the granules around your prizes plants and watch the slugs and snails flee, albeit very slowly. Those not quick enough will have a caffeine overdose and die.