How to Get Rid of Slugs With Beer
Slugs are snail-like creatures, minus the shell, that live in damp regions of the garden. They are hard to see in the daytime but leave behind a trail of slime. They dine in the evening, hide during the day and can reduce a garden to stubs in no time. Beer has a yeast-like scent that attracts slugs and will reduce large and small infestations in no time. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Pan Method
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1
Dig out an area for the pan or butter tub lid that allows it to be 1/8 to 1/4 inch above the surface of the soil. Make it any higher and the slugs will not be able to get in; any lower and they will be able to get out.
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2
Place pan or lid in the depression.
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3
Put 1/2 to 1 inch fresh beer in the pan or lid in the early evening. The slugs will be attracted to it, fall in the pan and drown.
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4
Empty pan every few days and repeat.
Plastic Bottle Method
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5
Dig out an area in the garden deep enough so that the drink bottle can be placed in the hole on its side with the mouth of the bottle flush with the surface of the soil.
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6
Put enough fresh beer in the bottle so it will not spill out when placed on the side.
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7
Place bottle on side, in the depression in the ground.
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8
Empty bottle every few days.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Not only do the slugs get caught in the container and drown, but chemicals in the beer are toxic to them. Keep slug-ridden areas clean of debris and weeds so slugs do not have hiding places.
Replace beer every three days. After that, it will no longer attract slugs. (ref 1) Replace beer in shallow pans and butter tub lids after it rains because diluted beer becomes ineffective. (my own experience).
