5 Ways To Kill Slugs

Personally I prefer to deter slugs away from my young plants and accept a small amount a small amount a slug damage on more mature plants that can cope with it. I do however accept that sometimes it does become all out war with the slug and you just have to reduce the number of the bigger slugs.

So here is a list of ways to kill slugs.

1. Buy Hand.
Yes this one is not pretty and it is better to wear gloves.  Head out late evening as the night starts to cool and it is dark. Take a torch and a bucket of water. Any slug you spot just gently pick them up and put them in the but of water. Drowning is not a nice way to go but still it does get it done and does seem more humane then some of the others.


2.  Beer Trap.
Some would say this is a waste of beer and in reply I say buy cheap beer for those pesky slugs. The idea is you sink a small container, like say a large yoghurt pot and 3/4 fill it with beer. Cover with a piece of slate, rock or brick but prop it up slightly so the slugs have access.

The slugs are attracted to the smell of the beer. Drink there fill and fall in or just fall in trying to reach the beer and drown.

This is the classic way of killing slugs that is fairly humane in the sense they probably don't feel much. Another plus is it is easy to set up and does not need you to be sneaking around at night.

3. Nematodes
These are small ring worm that live in the ground and attack the slugs. They are safe to use around children and pets. The dead or dying slug and be eaten by a predator with any ill effect on the predator.

You do need to apply and application every 6 weeks or so and it does make it more expensive then the other ways of killing slugs. It is however a very easy way to control slugs and so well worth a try. Nematodes are often sold under brand name like Nemaslug.

4. Salt
Again this is one that many people know from their childhood. Let me say straight away it is not a good way to kill slugs.

First it is a pretty evil way to kill something. Slowly removing the water from an organism is not good. I remember seeing it done as a child and watching the poor slug twist and writhe in pain seem barbaric to me even as a child. There are better ways to kill slugs if you have to kill them

Salt is also not good for the ground or should I say for the plants you are attempting to grow in the ground. Only plants adapted to grow in salty conditions with thrive.

I really suggest not using this method.

5. Slug Pellets
Chemical weapons work well against most enemy but I am not really a fan. If I am going to spend money fighting slugs I would go for Nematodes even if it cost more. Pellets can be dangerous to children and pets.

Even if your garden never has pets or children in it you should consider that as a gardener you should work with  nature rather than using chemical to fight it. Try beer traps before going down this route.