Slugs

Thu 25 Mar 2021, 15:53

Steve Jones - it isn't that they won't respond to Mr or Mrs, it's actually that they don't care which term you use

Tue 23 Mar 2021, 21:50

The beer trap system is certainly traditional - but it can give the hedgehogs a thumping headache in the morning.

Mon 22 Mar 2021, 18:26

I'm glad to have bought a little humour in these dark times Rachael. It also seems to somewhat chime with the times in these days of gender fluidity.

Mon 22 Mar 2021, 13:27

"Slugs are hermaphrodites, so I'm not sure that they respond to the title of Mr. or Mrs."

@ Steve Jones - that has to be my favourite comment this year!

Mon 22 Mar 2021, 09:02 (last edited on Mon 22 Mar 2021, 09:02)

As a kid I remember my dad putting down 'beer traps' – sinking a small container to ground level and filling it with beer for them to drink, fall into and drown. Is this a thing? Or was it some kind of cover up for my dad escaping to the garden to drink beer?

Sun 21 Mar 2021, 20:22

Going out with a torch on a damp evening and physically removing them all is the best I've found. 

Sun 21 Mar 2021, 10:48

Copper tape or a ring of copper wire around the plant base is a good slug deterent,I have used this method Hannan and it works well. John H

Sun 21 Mar 2021, 10:42

Sounds like a fashion parade.

Sun 21 Mar 2021, 10:04

Don't forget that some slugs, e.g. leopard slugs, eat other slugs. These can be up to 150mm long with a cappuccino-coloured body dappled with black leopard-like markings.

Out of the 40 or so species of slugs in the UK, only nine are considered pests. The RHS would also like to know if you have the yellow cellar slug a.k.a. tawny garden slug (Limacus flavus) in your cellar or garden. The survey is here:   https://www.rhs.org.uk/slugssurvey

Hard to identify slugs, however! Some of the most common ones are here: https://www.jic.ac.uk/research-impact/technology-research-platforms/entomology-and-insectary/slugwatch/slug-identification-guide/

Sun 21 Mar 2021, 07:46

I find they are attracted to my milk bottles.

A frog or two is also useful if you can't get a hedgehog.

Sun 21 Mar 2021, 04:00

I put copper tape around plants where I can.  Obviously easier if they are in pots.  Surprisingly cheap, and works a treat, but agree, more hedgehogs please!

Sun 21 Mar 2021, 00:23 (last edited on Sun 21 Mar 2021, 00:23)

Slugs are hermaphrodites, so I'm not sure that they respond to the title of Mr. or Mrs. 

Sat 20 Mar 2021, 22:05

A hedgehog.  Or two.

Sat 20 Mar 2021, 20:48

Sheep wool round the plants! Kris

Sat 20 Mar 2021, 20:28

Has anyone a good tip for a non chemical, child friendly anti Mr and Mrs Slug repellant?