How to Get Rid of Slugs Safely

You've got lots of natural slug control options.

Slugs congregate in damp, moist environments, from a wet summer to a mild, rainy winter. You've got lots of natural methods to control slugs safely, so pick your favorite or try several. Persistence is key to eliminating these garden or household pests. Slugs lay eggs in the fall, so concentrate on eliminating slugs before they lay eggs or you'll have greater numbers to deal with.

Things You'll Need

• Diatomaceous earth
• Saucers
• Beer
• Banana peels or rotting fruit
• Ammonia
• Spray bottle
• Iron phosphate slug control
• Copper wire or copper strip

Instructions

1. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of your plants in a ring, creating a 1-inch-deep ring that is 3 inches thick in its circumference. Reapply diatomaceous earth after a rainfall since this can wash it away.

2. Put out saucers of beer to trap the slugs, who will crawl in to eat the beer and die. Alternately, set out saucers of banana peels or another rotting fruit. Slugs will crawl toward the fruit and remain there. Throw out the saucers as needed.

3. Combine ammonia and water in a spray bottle in a 1:2 ratio. Spray slugs when you see them.

4. Spread an iron phosphate slug control around your garden. Slugs will eat the iron phosphate and dry out and die in three to six days. Reapply the iron phosphate after one week if you still have slug problems.

5. Create a copper barrier to banish slugs. Lay copper wire or a copper strip over your threshold, garden or other area. Slugs will not cross copper.

References

• North Dakota State University; Questions on Slugs; Ron Smith
• Oregon State University Extension: Protect Your Plants from Dreaded Slugs