[Baldy]

Hello all,
First (proper) post.
Last year my new half plot suffered greatly from slug damage. I reckon most from the small ones that mostly live underground. Anyhow, I do like a challenge but I'm also a right cheapskate so thought - what interesting methods could I try to control the *bleeders* - nematodes are relatively expensive but sound pretty effective - is there a way to 'diy' them? Googled a fair old while - strangely found a possible answer via the Daily Telegraph.
Toby Buckland gives a diy recipe
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningequipment/8675592/The-war-on-slugs-starts-at-home.html
I'm going to give this a bash once its warmed up a bit and let you know the results - not quite sure how I can scientifically prove its effectiveness but I'll let you know my personal opinion.
I've been turning over the new extra half plot I've recently got and have to say that the number of slug eggs I'm seeing is giving me palpatations. If the nematode's don't work I'll be looking at beer traps - does really cheap supermarket lager work?   

Cheers
Baldy

[Sweetpea C]

Euw but brilliant at the same time, I just might give that a try!

[allotmentann]

Will be interested to see how you get on, I have read a homemade method somewhere else, can't remember where, but wanted to know if it works. I believe you can use cheap beer, I intend to try beer traps this year.

[mumofstig]

The slugs aren't fussy about beer, unlike some people 

[Jamrock]

Very interesting, looking forward to hearing your results 

I use beer traps, very effective method but they only last for around a week until you have to empty and refill them. The cheapest of cheap lager is absolutely fine

[wrinkly1]

i, will be keen to see results.  iasked about nematodes last year. because i lost half a potato crop. best of luck. keep us informed. cheers.

[savbo]

Very interesting, looking forward to hearing your results 

I use beer traps, very effective method but they only last for around a week until you have to empty and refill them. The cheapest of cheap lager is absolutely fine

am I the only person who is so tight they've wondered about asking to collect dregs from glasses in the local?

sav

[mumofstig]

If you're a regular, I don't spose they'd mind at all - if not it might be a bit cheeky 

[DD.]

I collect dregs in pubs.

They never make it outside though! 

[mumofstig]

so it's you that always nicks my glass with the last drop still in it 

[allot2learn]

It used to be called, "minesweeping" in the naafi. 

[Stevens706]

allot2learn it's still called minesweeping

[finleyfreyaseth]

4 cans for a pound value bitter in all big supermarkets i get mrs buy some every big shop dont miss it then wen u need plenty in spring summer

[cadalot]

I just thought the guy who had my plot before me was a heavy drinker with the amount of empty cans I found when clearing the site - maybe he was a Slug Killer and I have inherited the mother of all slug habitats ;0)

[Ema]

it will be one stinky concoction