A real solution for slugs!

[murkleton]

Hey guys,

I've been looking through the internet for a solution to my slug problem... I am just not sure if theyre old wife's tales or not.

I have been considering ale traps. What is the best way to build one? Also, what beer/ale seems to work best?

The problem is under control at the moment but I noticed quite a few of my radishes had been munched when I harvested them. I found some nibbling on one of my courgettes and there is no way theyre getting them!!!

Anyways... any help is greatly appreciated!

[airconednightmare]

slugs aren't connoisseurs of fine ale, they are more like homeless alcoholics....they will drink anything.

[murkleton]

special brew it is then, how should i construct the trap?

[johnmichael]

Originally Posted by murkleton

special brew it is then, how should i construct the trap?

Just bury a small shallow container such as a plastic cereal bowl with top at soil surface level.

[brown thumb]

what i do is to save marge pots i use two and put one inside the other and cut small pieces out of each at the same place around the top plus in the top one pierce holes in the bottom for drainage bury up to the holes place lid on so the rain doest dilute the beer etc and you just lift the top drainer and get rid of the contents

[Thomas W]

Originally Posted by murkleton

... I've been looking through the internet for a solution to my slug problem... I am just not sure if theyre old wife's tales or not. ...

This could work:
Hanover Slug Fence - Slug control without chemicals

Description of trials:
Hanover Slug Fence - Trials at Pershore College in Worcestershire

[Paul Roberts]

To-Murkleton
Beer works but so do other methods. This is gross but here goes. Slugs are cannibalistic. Squish one and 1/2 hour later his friends are around for lunch. Then you squish them, come back in 1/2 hour etc etc. I'm afraid veg gardening in GB is one long active pogrom upon slugs. Also, keep your garden clear of large stones, bricks, branches etc as these provide habitat. Removing these will help. The best weapon against slugs is a cold winter. This explains why your slug problem now is not too bad-after a mild winter you wouldn't be so happy. Of course, habitat removal helps expose them to winter cold. But winter don't hit snails so hard as they have their own house and I have a snail problem. I've grown mange tout for the 1st time this year but snails love them and they can strip a plant of its leaves within a few days. They lodge in the upper branches, and the support canes and they move from plant to plant via the branches (like Tarzan) so they never come to ground hence pellets are ineffective. I could consider growing in copper-banded pots but- do copper bands actually work or is that just a myth?

[jimbuckleybarrett]

[quote=Thomas W;27798]This could work:
Hanover Slug Fence - Slug control without chemicals[quote]

NICE - I tried the beer wasn't happy with the results.

I think I get some timber this weekend!

[Thomas W]

Originally Posted by Paul Roberts

... Also, keep your garden clear of large stones, bricks, branches etc as these provide habitat. ...

And long grass too, so keep the lawn short if you have any.

Originally Posted by Paul Roberts

... I could consider growing in copper-banded pots but- do copper bands actually work or is that just a myth?

I believe they work, but what happens to raw copper outside in the rain - it rusts. And then I don't think it will be able to short circuit the slugs anymore. (Go Brasso, go!)

Originally Posted by jimbuckleybarrett

NICE - I tried the beer wasn't happy with the results.

I think I get some timber this weekend!

If you build a wooden raised bed they will crawl right up, unless you mount the metal fence on top, then you will probably have a chance.