SLUGS are soft-bodied mollusks that are like snails without shells. They have flabby, slimy bodes, usually 1 to 2 inches in length at maturity. Color varies from white to gray, yellow, or brown-black.

Slugs eat leaves, soft fruit, and stems of many different plants, including seedlings. Plants suffer large ragged holes, and a slimy trail may be visible on leaves or soil. Slugs hide in damp, dark spots during the day and feed at night or on cloudy days.
OPTIONS FOR SLUG CONTROL
There are usually several management options for solving any pest or disease problem. Use the non-pesticide approach whenever possible, saving pesticide use as the last line of defense. If a pest is identified at a damaging level, select a control targeted to the problem. This is called “Integrated Pest Management ”or “IPM ”.

PREVENTING SLUG INFESTATIONS
Thoroughly rake out mulch and garden debris once or twice a year to destroy slug eggs. Select varieties of hosta and other plants that do not attract slugs.

CONTROL DURING SPRING AND SUMMER
Use a combination of hand-picking, trapping and barriers, and be persistent.

Hand-picking. Use gloves or tweezers to remove slugs by hand. Work at night (with flashlight) or early morning.

Trapping. Trap slugs with overturned flower pots, saucers with beer, wet newspaper rolls, and/or grapefruit rinds. Try different methods.

Diatomaceous earth and other barriers: Spread the dust around base of plants uniformly, following package directions. Use a dust mask, as specified on label. Repeat as necessary.

Iron Phosphate Bait. Scatter granules in a 6 inch band around plants or to damp places where slugs may be found. The bait is eaten by slugs and causes them to cease feeding and die over several days. Read “Precautionary Statements ” on package labels and follow all instructions.
READ THE LABEL BEFORE BUYING ANY PESTICIDE.
Re-read the label before using, storing or disposing of the pesticide — the label is the law. Following label instructions will help reduce risks to human health and the environment.
Sources of information:
Greg Patchan, Horticulture Agent, Oakland County MSU Extension.

Ellis and Bradley, Natural Insect and Disease Control, Rodale Press

Olkowski, et. al., Common-Sense Pest Control, Taunton Press

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Oakland County Garden Hotline:248/858-0902

National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN):1-800-858-7378
(Information about environmental and health effects of specific chemicals)

Household pesticide disposal: If you live in one of the SOCRRA communities, call for an appointment:248/288-5153
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