50 Ways to Kill Slugs: The Ultimate Guide to Eradicating These Slimy Pests

Slugs are a common problem for gardeners, as they can quickly destroy young plants and seedlings. These slimy pests are particularly active at night and in damp weather, and they can be difficult to control. However, there are a number of effective ways to kill slugs, and by following the tips in this guide, you can protect your garden from these destructive creatures.

1. Handpicking

One of the most effective ways to kill slugs is to simply handpick them off your plants. This is best done at night or in the early morning, when slugs are most active. To handpick slugs, simply wear gloves and pick them off your plants by hand. Be sure to check the undersides of leaves and in crevices, as slugs often hide in these areas. Once you have collected the slugs, drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

50 Ways to Kill a Slug

by Sarah Ford

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5317 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages

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2. Beer traps

Beer traps are a popular way to kill slugs, as slugs are attracted to the smell of beer. To make a beer trap, simply bury a shallow container (such as a tuna can or a plastic cup) in the ground, level with the soil surface. Fill the container with beer and cover it with a lid. The slugs will be attracted to the beer and will crawl into the container to drink it. Once they are in the container, they will drown in the beer.

3. Slug pellets

Slug pellets are a chemical method of controlling slugs. These pellets contain a poison that is deadly to slugs. When slugs eat the pellets, they will die. Slug pellets are available in a variety of forms, including granules, dusts, and baits. When using slug pellets, be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully.

4. Nematodes

Nematodes are microscopic worms that are parasitic to slugs. When nematodes come into contact with a slug, they will enter the slug's body and kill it. Nematodes are a safe and effective way to control slugs, and they can be applied to your garden in a variety of ways.

5. Copper barriers

Copper is a natural repellent to slugs. Slugs will not crawl over copper, so you can use copper barriers to protect your plants from these pests. To create a copper barrier, simply wrap a strip of copper around the base of your plants or line your garden beds with copper tape.

6. Iron phosphate

Iron phosphate is a natural substance that is toxic to slugs. When slugs eat iron phosphate, they will die. Iron phosphate is available in a variety of forms, including granules, dusts, and baits. When using iron phosphate, be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully.

7. Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder that is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is a natural abrasive that will cut into the slug's body and kill it. When using diatomaceous earth, be sure to wear a dust mask and gloves to avoid inhaling the powder.

8. Salt

Salt is a natural desiccant that will draw the moisture out of a slug's body, killing it. When using salt to kill slugs, be sure to use a coarse salt, such as rock salt. Do not use iodized salt, as this can be harmful to plants.

9. Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural acid that will kill slugs on contact. When using vinegar to kill slugs, be sure to use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Do not use straight vinegar, as this can be harmful to plants.

10. Citrus peels

Citrus peels contain a natural compound called limonene, which is toxic to slugs. When using citrus peels to kill slugs, simply scatter the peels around your plants. The slugs will be repelled by the smell of the citrus and will avoid your plants.

11. Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds contain a natural compound called caffeine, which is toxic to slugs. When using coffee grounds to kill slugs, simply sprinkle the grounds around your plants. The slugs will be repelled by the smell of the coffee and will avoid your plants.

12. Eggshells

Eggshells are a natural abrasive that will cut into the slug's body and kill it. When using eggshells to kill slugs, simply crush the eggshells and sprinkle them around your plants. The slugs will be repelled by the sharp edges of the eggshells and will avoid your plants.

13. Wood ash

Wood ash is a natural alkali that will kill slugs on contact. When using wood ash to kill slugs, simply sprinkle the ash around your plants. The slugs will be repelled by the alkalinity of the ash and will avoid your plants.

14. Soapy water

Soapy water is a simple and effective way to kill slugs. When using soapy water to kill slugs, simply mix a few drops of dish soap in a bucket of water. Then, pour the soapy water over the slugs. The soap will suffocate the slugs and kill them.

15. Boiling water

Boiling water is a quick and effective way to kill slugs. When using boiling water to kill slugs, simply pour the boiling water over the slugs. The boiling water will kill the slugs instantly.

16. Bleach

Bleach is a powerful chemical that will kill slugs on contact. When using bleach to kill slugs, be sure to use a 10% solution of bleach. Do not use straight bleach, as this can be harmful to plants.

17. Ammonia

Ammonia is a natural gas that is toxic to slugs. When using ammonia to kill slugs, simply mix 1 part ammonia with 9 parts water. Then, pour the ammonia solution over the slugs. The ammonia will kill the slugs on contact.

18. Slug traps

Slug traps are a simple and effective way to catch slugs. To make a slug trap, simply place a piece of cardboard or a piece of wood in your garden. The slugs will be attracted to the cardboard or wood and will crawl underneath it. Once the slugs are underneath the cardboard or wood, you can pick them up and dispose of them.

19. Slug barriers

Slug barriers are a physical barrier that will prevent slugs from entering your garden. To create a slug barrier, simply line your garden beds with a material that is impermeable to slugs, such as copper tape or plastic sheeting.

20. Companion planting

Companion planting is a method of planting different plants together that can help to repel slugs. Some plants that are known to repel slugs include garlic, onions, chives, and marigolds. When planting these plants in your garden, be sure to plant them near your other plants to help protect them from slugs.

21. Raised beds

Raised beds are a great way to protect your plants from slugs. Slugs are less likely to climb over raised beds than they are to crawl on the ground. When creating raised beds, be sure to use a material that is impermeable to slugs, such as wood or concrete.

22. Clean up your garden

Slugs are attracted to decaying plant matter, so one of the best ways to prevent slugs from entering your garden is to clean up your garden regularly. Be sure to remove any dead leaves, weeds, or other debris from your garden.

23. Water your garden at the base of the plants

Slugs are attracted to moisture, so one of the best ways to prevent slugs from entering your garden is to water your garden at the base of the plants. Avoid watering your garden from overhead, as this can create a moist environment that is attractive to slugs.

24. Mulch your garden

Mulch can help to suppress slugs by creating a barrier between the slugs and the soil. When mulching your garden, be sure to use a material that is not attractive to slugs, such as bark or wood chips.

25. Encourage natural predators

There are a number of natural predators that will eat slugs, including birds, frogs, and toads. By encouraging these predators to enter your garden, you can help to control the slug population.

26. Use a slug gun

A slug gun is a device that uses compressed air to shoot slugs out of your garden. Slug guns are a quick and effective way to remove slugs from your garden, and they can be used without the use of chemicals.

27. Use a slug vacuum

A slug vacuum is a device that uses suction to remove slugs from your garden. Slug vacuums are a safe and effective way to remove slugs from your garden, and they can be used without the use of chemicals.

28. Create a slug habitat

One of the best ways to control slugs is to create a slug habitat in your garden. This can be done by creating a pile of logs, leaves, or other debris in a corner of your garden. Slugs will be attracted to this habitat and will lay their eggs there. Once the eggs have hatched, the baby slugs will stay in the habitat and will not bother your plants.

29. Use a slug repellent

There are a number of commercial slug repellents available on the market. These repellents contain ingredients that are toxic to slugs, and they can be applied to your plants or around your garden to keep slugs away.

30. Use a slug fence

A slug fence is a physical barrier that will prevent slugs from entering your garden. Slug fences can be made from a variety of materials, including copper, plastic, or wood. When installing a

50 Ways to Kill a Slug

by Sarah Ford

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5317 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages

FREE