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Slugs attack a wide range of plants, but
are probably associated with the rather delicate skeletons
of Hosta leaves that are left behind after an attack by
slugs. Lupins and Delphiniums are also at risk, as are many
vegetable plants - lettuce in particular.
Basically, if the foliage is tender - ie new
- then it is a meal for a slug.
Slugs are normally nocturnal creatures -
not a consideration with the below ground types - and the
damage caused is often not seen until the following morning
- after a bit of a feast by a party of marauding slugs.
Slugs are normally happiest in damp cool
conditions, and this is certainly the best environment in
which to find and or destroy them. During the day,
they normally live beneath stones or other garden debris.
Environmentalists will have to choose
between leaving heaps of debris about the garden for
wildlife and putting up with the emerging slugs of an
evening!
CONTROL
Slug pellets are the standard method of
dealing with slugs. Used properly, they are considered
harmless. We will not go into the arguments here - we have
written and researched it
elsewhere .
Do not use slug pellets by leaving little heaps as this is
is counterproductive to the control of slugs! . |
Metaldehyde - used in the normal blue slug pellets - is
actually a repellent for slugs. However it is only present in slug
pellets in small percentages - normally 3-6%. the rest of the pellet is
made up of either yeast or bran or other 'carrier' which attracts the
slug. Leave in heap and the Metaldehyde content is enough to turn the
slug away! ALWAYS sprinkle sparingly if you really want to control
slugs. There is less likelihood of any accidental eating by garden pets
if this method is used. best used on a warm evening during dry weather
conditions.
Methiocarb Slug pellets are also available as an
alternative. However it breaks down in the soil over a longer period.
OTHER METHODS OF SLUG CONTROL
Slugs can be trapped - drowned even - by leaving out
containers partially filled with beer! The slugs are partial to a pint,
and drown themselves!
Another method for the less squeamish, is to attach a
sharp nail to the end of a bamboo cane or stick and go slug hunting with
torch and said weapon during damp evenings. The lawn is a great place to
find slugs on a damp warm dewy evening. The resultant speared slug
bodies can then be consigned to the compost heap - or somewhere - Yuk!
You can don a pair of plastic gloves, and go slug
hunting amongst your flowers and vegetabkles and simply 'collect' slugs
for disposal as you see fit!
A ring of grit, around prized perennials is also a bit
of a barrier to rampaging slugs. |
