[MalcW]

Hi, does anyone know an effective treatment for slugs? We're inundated with them. The problem is, we also have a toad, slow worms and a cat, and I don't want to harm any of them. I've tried a box of what's basically grit but they don't seem bothered by that. I've already lost quite a few cabbages; it would be nice to be able to keep at least one. Thanks.

[Audy70]

Hi, I use iron phosphate slug pellets, which claim to be harmless to wildlife and pets but it works great on the slugs. An added bonus is that iron phosphate is good for the plants too.

ferric phosphate (e.g. Growing Success Advanced Slug Killer, Bayer Garden Slug Killer, Bayer Organic Slug Bait, Vitax Slug Rid, Doff Super Slug Killer, Sluggo Slug & Snail Killer, SlugClear Ultra3). Ferric phosphate is approved for use by organic growers and is relatively non-toxic to vertebrate animals, from RHS website https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=228

[SusieB]

Beer traps certainly help, if you don't want to use pellets.

[JoshP]

How about Nemaslug?

[wapello]

I use that great ive seen 3 slugs since i started using it,,,i paid for 3 treatments first one April,  july,  and August, and the firm just sends them when it time to use it in them months,,  When i use i just water every where slugs and snails, all  i can say it works for me, i had the same problem with the critters but not any more,,,,,

[Grubbypaws]

I use nemaslug in my raised beds. It helps but it doesn’t stop outsiders coming in and having a munch before being infected so place phosphate pellets as well.

I monitor by putting a half grapefruit skin upside down. The slugs will go underneath and can be disposed of in whatever way you find most satisfying   

[MalcW]

I monitor by putting a half grapefruit skin upside down. The slugs will go underneath and can be disposed of in whatever way you find most satisfying   

Much as I don't like killing things, I think for these blighters I could make an exception. And I can think of a variety of satisfying ways to do so.

Thanks to all for your advice.

[Grubbypaws]

Put in plastic bag with a little bit of green stuff     AND THEN FIRMLY TIE THE BAG UP AND PUT IN BIN 
How about you?

[MalcW]

I was thinking more along the lines of a weed flamethrower. Or battery acid. Or a really small guillotine.

[grinling]

pointy stick, but porridge oats fill them up.

[MalcW]

They've had my cabbages, they're not getting my porridge as well!

I've been out at lunchtime and bought iron phosphate pellets, so they'll be going down this evening.

[moose]

I've used bran bought from a horse feed supplier. Surrounded lettuce with it and had no damage BUT no use when it gets soaking wet.

 

[Salmo]

They've had my cabbages, they're not getting my porridge as well!

I've been out at lunchtime and bought iron phosphate pellets, so they'll be going down this evening.

Ferric phosphate pellets need a bit different management to the metaldhyde ones.

Put the pellets down as usual. Look the next day, if they are gone replace them. Repeat this every day until they stop disappearing. That will mean all the slugs are dead.

Unlike metaldehyde, where slugs die in a mass of slime, those that eat ferric phosphate crawl away and die so you do not see them.

Because ferric phosphate is only poisonous to slugs and snails it does not matter so much if you put the pellets in exposed places. Apparently it goes straight through other animals that eat it without harming them.

[Enfield Glen]

Has anyone tried copper wire to keep them out in the first place?

I was sure I was slug free until the recent rain then they all commuted in from neighbouring plots that are not so well kept (if at all). The woodchip paths seem to keep them away during the relatively dry weather with no sign of any attacks.

As I have all my beds surrounded by boards so it would be relatively easy to collect old cables and leads and strip them back to the copper wire and surround at least a couple of beds.

Just a thought and might do an experiment to see.

[MalcW]

Thanks Salmo, I didn't know that. I'll go and check later, and top up if necessary.

Enfield Gen, I've got a couple of raised planters which have escaped damage so far, but I intend to put copper wire or tape around the legs. I'm sure I read somewhere that you should put two strips round, an inch or so apart. Does that sound right?