Wolcott Garden Treasures
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Slug Control
Slugs and snails are always in the garden, but when the weather gets really wet, they can become a serious problem. Slugs often leave small, serrated bite marks that can appear to be caused by a larger, toothed pest. However, short of actually seeing the slug on the plant, if you've noticed that the leaves are being eaten, but the flowers are left intact, that's your biggest indicator of slugs versus another garden pest.
Our most popular, traditional pesticide product is Ortho Bug-Geta Plus. However, please note that this particular pesticide may be fatal to dogs or other pets if eaten, so it should NOT be used in any area where pets or other wildlife might be present.
Because the traditional method of slug removal is so toxic, we've prepared some natural alternatives for you that you might consider utilizing in your garden:
Beer. Believe it or not, slugs are attracted to beer. When used in the proper container, they will crawl into the liquid and become trapped and drown. You can set the beer out in its original shipping container by burying the can or bottle a few inches into the soil or mulch near the affected area. The design of the can or bottle is usually sufficient to trap the slugs. If you'd prefer, pour the beer into a shallow jar or bowl and place it on the ground with the jar lid or a piece of wood or other material over the opening, slightly tilted, to give the slugs room to get in but not out. Slightly covering the opening will also keep the beer from diluting very much in the rain.
Seaweed. If you're lucky enough to visit the shore frequently, try gathering some fresh seaweed and placing it around the base of the plants affected or around the perimeter of the garden or bed. Give a good, thick covering of at least 3" in depth. Seaweed is a natural source of salt, which causes slugs to dessicate (dry up and die), so they will instinctively avoid it. Because seaweed is also a good additive for your garden, it's a better choice than simply spreading table salt, which may cause adverse effects in your garden.
Diatomaceous Earth. We do not carry it here in the store, but diatomaceous earth is a chalky powder that consists of the fossilized remains of a hard-shelled algae, known as diatoms. The microscopic, jagged pieces of hard shell will lacerate the slug's soft body and cause it to dehydrate. Instinctively, slugs will avoid any area treated with the additive. Sprinkle the powder moderately around the affected areas, and for best results, take care to apply when it's not going to rain for a bit. One note of caution: make sure you purchase agricultural grade diatomaceous earth - the pool grade product has smoother particles and is not as effective.
Lava Rock. Along the same principle as diatomaceous earth, lava rock is jagged and rough, which would cause damage to the slug as it crawls over. Spread lava rock around your flower beds to deter the slugs from entering. You'll need to keep the lava rock above the soil line for it to be effective.
Garlic Repellents. Early research shows that highly refined garlic repellent products are effective against slugs, although this has not yet been widely accepted. If you happen to see a garlic based repellent (we do not have any here), you might want to give it a try if you can stand the smell!
Special thanks to eartheasy.com for some of the great suggestions we've featured on this page.
Our most popular, traditional pesticide product is Ortho Bug-Geta Plus. However, please note that this particular pesticide may be fatal to dogs or other pets if eaten, so it should NOT be used in any area where pets or other wildlife might be present.
Because the traditional method of slug removal is so toxic, we've prepared some natural alternatives for you that you might consider utilizing in your garden:
Beer. Believe it or not, slugs are attracted to beer. When used in the proper container, they will crawl into the liquid and become trapped and drown. You can set the beer out in its original shipping container by burying the can or bottle a few inches into the soil or mulch near the affected area. The design of the can or bottle is usually sufficient to trap the slugs. If you'd prefer, pour the beer into a shallow jar or bowl and place it on the ground with the jar lid or a piece of wood or other material over the opening, slightly tilted, to give the slugs room to get in but not out. Slightly covering the opening will also keep the beer from diluting very much in the rain.
Seaweed. If you're lucky enough to visit the shore frequently, try gathering some fresh seaweed and placing it around the base of the plants affected or around the perimeter of the garden or bed. Give a good, thick covering of at least 3" in depth. Seaweed is a natural source of salt, which causes slugs to dessicate (dry up and die), so they will instinctively avoid it. Because seaweed is also a good additive for your garden, it's a better choice than simply spreading table salt, which may cause adverse effects in your garden.
Diatomaceous Earth. We do not carry it here in the store, but diatomaceous earth is a chalky powder that consists of the fossilized remains of a hard-shelled algae, known as diatoms. The microscopic, jagged pieces of hard shell will lacerate the slug's soft body and cause it to dehydrate. Instinctively, slugs will avoid any area treated with the additive. Sprinkle the powder moderately around the affected areas, and for best results, take care to apply when it's not going to rain for a bit. One note of caution: make sure you purchase agricultural grade diatomaceous earth - the pool grade product has smoother particles and is not as effective.
Lava Rock. Along the same principle as diatomaceous earth, lava rock is jagged and rough, which would cause damage to the slug as it crawls over. Spread lava rock around your flower beds to deter the slugs from entering. You'll need to keep the lava rock above the soil line for it to be effective.
Garlic Repellents. Early research shows that highly refined garlic repellent products are effective against slugs, although this has not yet been widely accepted. If you happen to see a garlic based repellent (we do not have any here), you might want to give it a try if you can stand the smell!
Special thanks to eartheasy.com for some of the great suggestions we've featured on this page.
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