Slugs & Strawberry Plants

Slugs devour strawberry plants and fruit and may kill the plants.

Slugs are a common problem among strawberry plants, eating both leaves and fruit. Identifying slug problems in the strawberry patch is essential to keeping plants healthy and producing fruit.

Problems

Slugs pose a threat to all strawberry plants, particularly young plants. Young plants are tender and easily killed off by slugs. Slugs eat holes through the leaves as well as large holes in ripe strawberries.

Elimination

When slugs are visible, pick them up and move them elsewhere. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda or salt directly on the slugs to dissolve them.

Prevention

Add a layer of rough bark mulch at the base of the strawberry plants. Slugs will not crawl over the mulch because it scratches their sensitive skin. Pick ripe strawberries immediately to prevent slugs from eating the fruit.

References

• "Ortho's All About Fruits, Berries & Nuts"; Barbara Ferguson, Editor; 1987
• "Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills"; Abigail R. Gehring; 2008