|
 Handpick slugs and snails. A few evening or early morning "raids" can keep their numbers low.
- They are most active and easier to find at night and on damp, cool mornings.
- Use a flashlight to look for them.
- Drop them into a jar of soapy water for disposal, or use the more direct snip or squish methods.
- In the fall, look for and destroy pearly clusters of eggs under boards and rotting vegetation.
Use simple traps. Slugs and snails like to hide under pots, boards and plants.
- Flower pots turned upside down or boards raised an inch off the ground make good traps.
- Beer traps are somewhat effective, but they must be covered to keep out rain and refilled every few days.
Use least-toxic slug bait made with iron phosphate.
Look for brand names like Sluggo®, Worry Free® and Escar-go!®.
Use more-hazardous baits only as a last resort. The metaldehyde they commonly contain is poisonous to dogs and cats.
- Some baits may attract dogs, because they look like dog food.
- Baits may also contain carbaryl, which is toxic to beneficial insects and fish.
- Use a tamper-proof bait station; it will help protect children and pets.
|
