Stopping those slugs

Q. I have a slug infestation! HELP!

Susan from Canfield

A. Slugs love moisture. Many times, we don’t even know we have slugs because they are not eating their way around the garden when it’s hot and sunny. These hot and sunny days have been few and far between so far this growing season.

Slugs love to hide under rocks, among weeds and other debris in the flower and vegetable garden. Thick ground covers can provide great hiding spots for these destructive insects.

Slugs need moisture – and we have plenty of it! Thus, they avoid being out on sunny or windy days. Slugs can produce a lot of slime. If you have lots of standing water, consider drainage options for your garden to help reduce the amount of water lying around during large rain events.

Mulching with small needles from trees such as Norway spruce can be a deterrent to slugs but is not a solution.

In a year like this, you’ll need to take some evasive action to reduce the slug population. Here are some control options:

Remove leaf and other plant debris from around plants. Clean up anything diseased or damaged leaves, stems and other plant parts from the recent storms. Use a rake to get all the little stuff.

For hostas, cut back leaves that bend over and touch the ground. This will make it more difficult for slugs to get on leaves and cause damage. You’ll still get some stem damage but will reduce leaf damage.

Try trapping. Newspapers are handy, as you can place them down just before dusk. The next morning, you simply roll it up with the slugs attached for quick disposal.

Use one teaspoon of yeast in a short container such as a pie pan. Give them an easy way to get into the mixture. They love the smell and will drown in the mixture.

For more control options, go to http://go.osu.edu/slugs.

Eric Barrett is OSU Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County. Call the office hotline at 330-533-5538 to submit your questions. Clinic hours are Mondays and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, through October.