Any committed gardener might suffer a mild heart-attack at the mention of the dreaded words 'garden slugs.' Slugs feast on many plants that you have grown with much effort and care and it is natural that you don't think of them with affection. Though slugs are eaten in some parts of the world, garden slugs are largely considered to be disgusting and harmful creatures. This view is not totally correct. One must always attempt to keep in mind the value of slugs and their contribution to the environment.
Some people might not be aware that garden slugs are natural 'recycle bins.' They eat rotten leaves and produce rich, fertile soil. In this sense, slugs actually help plants to grow. This is why it is unfair to see slugs as 'little monsters' that eat away and destroy all plants. Garden slugs are also important as they provide food for hedgehogs, raccoons, snakes, turtles and frogs. You must remember that your attempts at reducing the slug population would invariably lead to a reduction in numbers of animals who prey on them. Various new methods aimed at reducing garden slugs are considered to be a major reason for the fairly drastic decline in the hedgehog population in England.
You could take certain steps to reduce the amount of garden slugs without actually killing them. You can remove the any food that slugs might find in your garden. You must get rid of fallen leaves that lie about your garden for this purpose. Slugs also need a cool place to stay during the day. Remove stones or pieces of wood that could provide protection for slugs. Such practices could be used to reduce garden slugs without using inhuman methods to kill them. You can also attempt to attract animals to your garden that prey on slugs.
There are other methods that you could use to achieve the same purpose though such methods are likely to have a greater adverse impact on the environment. Some would recommend stirring your garden soil which would expose the eggs laid by slugs to the elements. This would destroy these eggs. Slug pellets could also reduce the number of garden slugs though you might not be aware that such deaths are likely to be painful for these animals. The salt in these pellets could cause excruciating pain as slugs have bodies that contain a high percentage of water.
Garden slugs could be more harmful than helpful. This however, does not mean that all slugs should be killed. Allowing slugs to live peacefully might not be in the interest of your garden either. That is why a balance must be struck in the case of garden slugs. Do not try to kill all of them but make sure that you keep the number of garden slugs under control. Try not to use methods that harm the environment when you are getting rid of them.
Slugs are scientifically known as Arion Hortensis Agg., are gastropods without or with a very small shell which is conceived in the mantle. These slimy species move on a trail of slime which it secretes by the pedal gland which is located just below its mouth. A garden slug spreads through the mass reproduction of eggs. A slug lays an average of 20-30 eggs per time while this number may vary according to the age of the slug. An adult may lay comparatively fewer eggs than a young slug. Reproduction takes place during any month of the year in outdoor soil surfaces. Many of these slugs are common particularly in the United States for being garden pests, out of which the garden slug is one of the most destructive.
The garden slug was introduced to the United States from Europe in the 1800s. They have been commonly known for being pests of garden vegetable, field crops and ornamentals attacking both leaves and root crops. The garden slug is found in large numbers in damp weather seasons of the year whereas the dry seasons are spent in concealed shelter spots. A garden slug is about 2-3 centimeters long when fully grown and its head contains two sets of tentacles. The upper tentacle is where the eyes are located while the lower tentacle is used for tasting and smelling. The mouth is located below the lower tentacle and contains a radula-a tooth which is use to grate plant tissues.
However despite its destructive nature in cultivated areas, the garden slug becomes beneficial when recycling organic material used to build soils. But since its drawbacks surpass the benefits, various methods are used to control these pests.
One precautionary slug control method is to search for egg masses of the garden slug and destroy them. Another preventive measure is to remove debris, logs and stones while maintaining trimmed grass and weed since the garden slug populates and shelters around these areas. Watering crops only when necessary will reduce the dampness in the farm which will further discourage the spreading of the garden slug.
Commercial slug pellets such as Metaldehyde and Methicarbs are widely available, but is discouraged to use in organic gardening due its chemical base. Moreover from a garden wildlife perspective, species will be harmed by eating poisoned slugs. Therefore organic methods include copper pipes and commercial slug rings which stimulate the slugs' aversion to copper, are highly recommended. In addition, beer or milk traps which are used to drown slugs; and comfrey, which can be used to round plants that need protection, are commonly used methods. Natural slug predators include frogs, topes, selective birds and beetles. Encouraging these creatures would assist in curbing the slug population.
It has been identified that the best times to control slugs is during the seasons of spring and fall. It has also been proven that the best garden slug control method applicable is the use of low toxic, iron phosphate-based slug baits.
This website uses cookies that are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy. By accepting this OR scrolling this page OR continuing to browse, you agree to our Privacy Policy