Garden Pests: Slug

MANILA, Philippines - Slugs are common and severe pests in the garden. Slugs are closely related to the snails. The only difference is the absence of a shell for slugs to carry around. The slug hides in daytime and comes out to feed at night. The problem is more severe during rainy season but damp garden spots without much air circulation may be just as bad. The pest leaves a trail of slime or mucous as they move. Detection of the dried up slime is indicative of infestation.

Slug problem is indicative of bad gardening habits. The slugs are attracted to the smell of aldehydes produced by decaying garden debris. The slugs pick up the scent of fermenting vegetable materials and crawls directly to it. Sanitation and good air circulation are the keys to clean up the garden of this pest. In case of bad infestation, most insecticide can kill it on contact. Baiting the slugs with stale beer is another option. A day-old stale beer (leftover) may be laced with one or two drops of Lannate (insecticide) and fielded out before sunset. Slugs will crawl directly into the wide-mouth beer containers. Keep the dogs and cats away from the cocktail. 

Oxidized or acid-treated copper wires may also be employed as barrier for your favorite plants. Slugs can not go across copper wires with an atom layer of copper oxide. This technique is used on the sides of benches housing important plants.