Slow worms will burrow and hibernate underground from October to March. Being most active at dusk, slow worms eat mainly slow moving prey such as slugs, worms, snails as well as the odd insect and spider. They do not bite people and are completely harmless.

Where do slow worms go in winter?

Slow worms like humid conditions and emerge from their hiding places at dusk or after rain to hunt for food. They spend the winter hibernating under piles of leaves or within tree roots. If attacked by a predator, a slow worm can shed its tail to escape, although it never grows back fully.

How do I get rid of slow worms in my garden?

Leave piles of sticks, prunings and logs undisturbed in a quiet corner of the garden. These will gradually rot down and be a hot bed of garden bugs and beasties for the slow worms to feed upon. Allow an area of your garden to grow wild to attract a wide range of beneficial insects to restore the natural balance.