How to Get Rid of Slugs?

Most people are revolted by slugs. They are slimy to the touch, very strange looking and seem to have no use around the home. Yet we find them regularly in moist, dark places. Just what are these curious-looking animals and what can we do about getting rid of them?

Slugs can destroy the work of even the best gardener if he or she is not careful. Slugs love to chew on fresh leaves, including those on your fruit and vegetable plants. That’s why several methods have been developed to get rid of these unwanted pests.

Creative Extermination
It may be necessary to kill as many slugs as possible, at least as a way of getting started. There are also a few ways to keep slugs from the garden, flower beds and the home in general. As mentioned earlier, slugs like their surroundings to be moist and cool. Don’t give slugs a place to hide. Do as much as you can to expose the soil to sun and wind. If you need to water your garden, do it early in the day. It should be dry at night, which is when slugs tend to be most active.

There is one interesting method of getting rid of slugs that certainly fits into the “creative” category. These crawling pests like the yeast that is used to produce beer. You can attract them by pouring a little of this beverage in a shallow dish or other container. The edge should be even with the ground surface so the slug can crawl right into this “feast.” They won’t be able to get out and will probably be dead when you check your “traps” in the morning.

At the Store
Retail stores also sell products that repel slugs. Some of these contain copper, which seems to be a very effective slug repellant. Tape or small bands of this material can be placed around individual plants for the best results.

Of course, you can just start gathering up all the slugs you see and deposit them far from your garden. Slug hunting at night, with a good flashlight, produces the best results. You should have a bucket or pail with soap/water or salt/water mix. Just pick up the slug and drop it in the bucket.

You can also use baits that are ingested by slugs, such as those with iron phosphate. When spread on the soil this product can kill a large number of slugs in a few days. Some people have even had success with vinegar or coffee grounds placed directly on the slugs.

It’s also possible to control slug populations by encouraging the presence of another member of the animal kingdom – the toad. They can eat a lot of slugs if you give them a shady spot to hang out during the day. Don’t hesitate to bring in the professionals if necessary, though many gardeners know that ducks are as good at eliminating slugs as any other method.

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