Considered by most gardeners to be arch enemies, slugs and snails can decimate a wide range of plants overnight.

To add to our misery I once read somewhere that the average British garden plays host to approximately 200,000 of these slimy pests so undoubtedly we need to be vigilant!

It's best to try to take preventative action fairly early on in the season by keeping as tidy a garden as is possible and patrolling those plants that tend to be more susceptible to damage. This includes climbers, seedlings, herbaceous perennials (including the Hosta), bulbous plants, small annuals and strawberries.

There are a number of measures that can be taken such as chemical, organic and/or biological control and although there is an emphasis on organic forms of controlling pests, chemical treatments can be effective provided the instructions are adhered to and the products are only used for the specific purpose for which they have been designed.

Slugs and snails tend to be more visible on warm, wet days and evenings. SlugClear mini pellets provide an effective treatment and contain metaldehyde, which acts as a dessicant and is particularly appealing to these leaf munching pests.

Less is best when using pelleted treatment and many people mistakenly think that mounds of pellets provide better protection - do not be misled. If you prefer not to use pellets opt for its liquid form. Use the concentrated liquid, which should be diluted and poured over and around threatened plants. This not only kills surface slugs and snails but also penetrates underground without having any visible residue that may attract pets or other animals.

Unfortunately, hot on their heels come bugs - red spider mite, greenfly, blackfly, whitefly, caterpillars and vine weevil to name but a few. But don't despair as there are a variety of measures that can be used effectively in the war against these pests also.

Organic control methods range from companion planting where, for example, certain strong smelling plants such as mint and garlic can ward off pests normally attracted by smell, or plant French marigolds among plants where aphids are known to be problematic.

Greenfly and Blackfly are capable of transmitting viruses and again prevention is better than cure. For example deciduous fruit trees and bushes can be treated with a tar oil wash in winter whereas good hygiene and the removal of plant debris can help to minimise vine weevil larvae.

A proprietary "plant protection" compost can also be purchased, or give your neighbours something to talk about by creeping around your garden at night with a torch - it's the only time adult vine weevils will be visible for removal!

The most important thing to remember when treating trees, fruit, flowers or vegetables is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Remember some chemical treatments are not only made from natural sources but can also be multi-functional for use on a range of different plants.

However, no matter which method you choose to use do read the labels carefully and enjoy a relatively pest-free season.