What to do about these pesky slugs?
Even though there are nine different varieties of slugs and
about two dozen varieties of land and freshwater snails, all it takes is a few
in your garden to devour a newly planted seed bed. Slugs thrive in humid
and wet places. They commonly feed on decaying vegetable matter, leaves,
flowers, trunks and roots, but they will also feed on earthworms, molds and
dead insects. Slugs are nocturnal and seek shelter underneath rocks and boards
and in damp refuse and mulch. They are extremely susceptible to drying
out.
There are several different ways to control slugs and
snails.
· Biological
– There are many natural predators of slugs including toads, predacious
beetles, birds, ducks and chickens.
· Mechanical
– Trap boards are an easy way to rid the garden of slugs. Simply
place a board, any manageable size, near slug activity. Place one end of
the board on a small rock, or another object in order to give it enough lift
for the slugs to crawl under. This board then becomes a good hiding place
for the slugs. After a few days to a week, turn over the board and see
how many slugs are resting underneath. Discard slugs in a manner of
your choice.
Gardeners can also collect slugs early in the morning or in
the evening to reduce their numbers. Copper screening or foil placed around
items like flower pots, raised beds and greenhouse table legs will keep slugs
out.
Beer traps (small
cans buried at ground level filled with beer) are popular in ridding the garden
of slugs and snails. However, this method is not very effective for the labor
involved. The traps attract slugs within an area of only a few feet, and
must be refilled every few days. It is the fermented product that
attracts them, so a sugar-water and yeast mixture could be used in place
of beer.
· Cultural –
A cheap and safe method of controlling slugs, although not always practical, is
sanitation. This involves eliminating their hiding and breeding places by
raking up the leaves, discarding boards, logs and other such debris.
· Chemical –
Baits containing the active ingredient metaldehyde are very
effective in controlling slugs. Be careful when using these products
around pets. If pets ingest this bait, it can be fatal.
Other products, with the active ingredient iron
phosphate, are also effective against slugs. According to their
label, they can be used around pets and wildlife. When using these, and
any other pesticide, always read the label carefully, and follow all
instructions.
