Slugs

Signs & symptoms

• -irregular ragged holes in leaves, typically with smooth edges
• -whole seedlings collapsing or disappearing overnight
• -silvery slime trails on soil surface, pots, or leaves
• -damage concentrated at soil level on stems of young plants
• -on potato: tunnelled cavities inside tubers at harvest

Management

Do now

• -Lay beer traps near affected plants
• -Apply ferric phosphate pellets around vulnerable plants - safe for wildlife
• -Hand-pick slugs at dusk using a torch
• -Clear debris and mulch where slugs may be sheltering near the crop

Prevention

• -Start seedlings under cover and transplant only when plants are large enough to withstand some damage
• -Copper tape or sharp grit around raised bed edges provides a deterrent
• -Encourage hedgehogs, ground beetles, and frogs by providing habitat
• -Avoid mulching too close to vulnerable seedlings early in the season

Related guides

• Dealing with slugs

  Slugs cause the most damage at night and in wet conditions. A few targeted habits will cut losses without needing chemicals.