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Slugs in Western Australia
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FS397RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSIONNEW JERSEY AGRICULMRAL EXPERIMENT STATIONSlugs and Snails in the Vegetable GardenGerald M. Ghidiu, Specialist in Vegetable EntomologyDamage:Slugs and snails both feed on young, succulent plants and seedlings,particularly during wet or moist conditions, or in areas that havebeen well irrigated. Slugs and snails have rasping mouth parts, and damage plantsby scraping plant tissue, leaving irregular-shaped holes in leaves, flowers, stemsand fruit. During severe infestations, leaves may become shredded. Snails andslugs leave a clear or silvery slime trail on stones, walks, soil, plant foliage,and fruit, often seen before their damage is observed.Description:Several species of slugs can be found in the garden. The gray garden slug(the smallest) is dull gray with black spots, and 1 to 2 inches long. The spottedgarden slug is grayish with black spots or faint black longitudinal bands on itsback, reaching almost 4 inches in length.Three species of snails are commonly found invegetable gardens: brown garden snail, European garden snail, and decollate snail.All are smaller than slugs, and the two garden snails have a rounded or globularspiral shell, while the decollate snail has a cone-shaped spiral shell.Life History:Slugs and snails are found in moist, shadedlocations, or areas that have many weeds or organictrash. Most species overwinter in the egg stage,hatching in early spring and feeding immediately.most species live one season or less, and adults maydeposit eggs throughout the season.Nonchemical Control:1. Slug populations can be reduced by good gardensanitation (foliage, trash, and weed removal) to improve air movementand ventilation and to reduce moist habitats. Fruit-laden plants, such astomatoes, should be staked to keep fruit from contacting the ground.2. Slugs are mainly a problem during a wet season or in the spring. Hand picking,especially at night or during early morning, is tedious but effective.3. Since slugs and snails like to congregate in sheltered areas, place small,thick wooden boards on the soil surface of infested areas and check under themduring the day to remove and destroy slugs.4. Grapefruit skin can be placed in the garden upside down on the soil surface.Slugs are attracted to, and will congregate under them. Turn over and remove slugseach day.5. Wood ashes can be sprinkled around plants todiscourage slugs and snails. A ridge of ashes, 1 inch high and 3 inches wide, is
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Slugs and Snails in Gardens
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