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Slugs are members of the class known as gastropods and are closely related to clams. They are soft-bodied insects and require moist conditions to survive. Our dry Colorado region is not generally conducive to the slug population, however, lush gardens provide just the right conditions for reproduction.
Slug eggs are just about everywhere in the soil but they are especially found in warm dark places. Eggs hatch in the spring and the young begin to eat. They are most active at night and on overcast days, since the hot sun is a lethal drying agent. You can reduce slug populations by cultivating the soil in the spring bringing the eggs to the surface where they dry out and die. Reduce humidity by using a drip system or soaker hose. If you must use an overhead watering system, water early in the morning so the moisture evaporates during the day.
Another way to keep populations down is to eliminate the garden areas where the slugs hide. Keep mulch pulled back from the base of the plants in order to provide air circulation. Move your compost pile away from your crop or ornamental garden as slugs enjoy the warm moist compost. Eliminate hiding and breeding places by removing decaying plants, leaves and weeds.
Some baits are effective in trapping slugs and are worth trying. One of the most effective is beer. Bury shallow containers of beer in the garden. Slugs are attracted to the fermentation, fall into the bowl and die.
Rough or sharp surfaces are also lethal to the slug’s soft body. Sprinkle the area around the base of the plant with diatomaceous earth, crushed eggshells or ground nutshells. Sand paper and roof shingles are gritty surfaces that slugs avoid.
Copper strips around the garden beds provide and effective repellent. The metal ions react with the moist slug resulting in a shock or electrical charge. This copper deterrent can also be used to keep slugs from infesting your patio pots.
Finally, slugs have some natural enemies including garter snakes, birds and frogs. Slug control sprays are also useful. There are several kinds available, but an easy effective spray is made from one part ammonia to ten parts water. The spray must be applied directly on the slug to be effective.
But if all else fails, there are some commercial chemical controls available. Most contain metaldehyde that kills the slugs by dehydration. Before using any chemical, check the label to be sure the material can be legally used on or around the specific crop. Also, methaldehyde is attractive to dogs and poses a significant risk. Use safe storage practices for all garden chemicals
Keep in mind that the best control of slugs is prevention. Keep your garden clean, provide good air circulation and don’t over water. Come to think of it, these are the same things that make a great garden - - slugs or not.
For more information, contact the Larimer County Office of Colorado State University Cooperative Extension at 498-6000 and request Fact Sheet #5.515 - Slugs or call Colorado PlantTalk at 1-888-666-3063 and request message #1436.
Q: How can I attract more birds and butterflies to my garden?
A: To lure more birds and butterflies into your yard, grow annual and perennial flowers such as sunflower, bee balm, daisy, poppy, cosmos, marigold and verbena.
Q: How important is the zone information when planting perennials?
A: Use this information as a guide. For a successful garden you must also consider your own microclimate. Exposure and light, wind and elevation, fences and trees are among all the varying situations that can affect your garden.
Some good shrubs to plant for a bird habitat include butterfly bush, dogwood, honeysuckle, spirea and gooseberry.
Cucumber, sweet corn, tomatoes and squash are warm season vegetables that originated in tropical or sub-tropical areas. Our average last frost date is May 15, so it should be safe to plant these vegetables out in the garden now.
One of these landscape professionals should be able to help you with the design of your yard or garden. A Landscape Designer usually has a degree in Landscape Horticulture and is knowledgeable about suitable plant material. A Landscape Architect has earned a bachelor's or master's degree in Landscape Architecture.
One easy way to tell if your grass needs water is to walk across your lawn. If you can see your footprints, it's time to water
The author has received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
Fact Sheets are available at the Larimer County Extension Office, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado, telephone (970) 498-6000, or contact us by e-mail at larimer@coop.ext.colostate.edu
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