Slugs and Snails
About slugs and snails
Slugs and snails are voracious mollusks that power through tender leaves and stems, leaving ragged holes and a slimy trail in their wake, especially in cool, damp climates. They generally emerge to wreak havoc in the garden a couple of hours after sunset.
How to get rid of slugs and snails
- Controlling slugs and snails requires a combination of methods, beginning with elimination of slug hiding spots, including weedy areas, boards, mulch and leafy groundcovers.
Slug and snail baits
- Chemical slug and snail baits kill on contact or when they enter the stomach. Bait is most effective when slugs are active after a rainfall and less effective when the weather is hot and dry or cold and rainy. Heed all label warnings because chemical bait is toxic to children, pets and wildlife. Some baits are especially attractive to dogs.
- Baits containing iron phosphate are safer to use around pets and children and in some conditions are more effective than chemical baits. Even small amounts will cause slugs or snails to stop feeding very quickly, but they may take a few days to die.
