About the Slug
To gardeners, the slug (or shell-less gastropod mollusc) is an annoying pest that can create vast damage to their crops. Whilst, slugs can play an important part in any eco-system by eating decaying organic matter, a slugs penchance for a gardener's prize harvest makes it very difficult for the two to live together in harmony.
This webpage outlines some of the ways a gardener can get rid their garden of slugs. For more in-depth information, we highly recommend that you grab a copy of Jill Haskin's Garden Slug Control.
How Do You Get Rid of Slugs?
In this section, I'll discuss some of the techniques you can use to get rid of slugs.
Eggshells
Method: Break up eggshells and scatter around the perimeter of your plants.
Due to the softness of their bodies, the sharp edges of the egg shells deter slugs from crossing them. Although a widely-known solution, I don't know of anyone that has had success with this technique.
Diatomaceous Earth
Method: Create a barrier of diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your plants.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural material consisting of fossilized algae. Like eggshells, it can lacerate the underside of any brave slug that tries to cross it.
Removal by hand
Method: Remove slugs from your garden by hand (especially after a shower of rain)
I wasn't sure whether to include this but in the end I decided that it should be here, if only because it is the most common method of slug control.
Slug Pellets
Method: A scattering of slug pellets around your garden
Commercially manufactured slug-killing pellets. Although they're pretty good at killing slugs, they can also cause damage to other wildlife, pets and young children.
Predators
Method: Introduce slug-eating ducks or chickens to your garden or create a habitat that will attract other predators
Ducks, chickens and other birds love to chew on tasty slugs, as do other birds. You can invest in poultry or simply attract birds to your garden with a feeder. Other animals such as hedgehogs or beetles will also enjoy keeping your slug population down.
Porridge
Method: A scattering of porridge oats around your slug's habitat.
I've never tried his, but apparently slugs will eat the oats and it will kill them (please let me kow if anyoe has had any success with this method).
Beer Trap
Method: Bury a jar/bottle in your garden and fill with beer.
Slugs are attracted to the beer, fall into the trap and drown.
The Best Way To Get Rid of Slugs
I've outlined a number of methods you can use to try to combat the nuisance of slugs. The ones you choose to try will depend n factors such as your budget, whether you want an organic solution and how much time you have. There is no "best way" to get rid of slugs as something that works for you may not work for someone else - it is often a case of trial and error.
Jill Haskin's Garden Slug Control guarantees to get rid of your slugs in less than seven days and she also offers an 8-week money-back guarantee if her method doesn't work for you, so why not give it a try.
Pest Control: Slug Video
Yolander discusses slug control methods.
Feedback
If you have any slug-killing techniques that you'd like to share, I'd love to hear them. Please email me with your suggestions. I'd also be interested in any other constructive comments that could make this webpage better.
